Artwork

The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam

The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam, by Ludolf Bakhuizen, oil, 1695
The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam, by Ludolf Bakhuizen, oil, 1695

The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ludolf Bakhuizen. It dates from 1695 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a marine work, it portrays a warship with full sail, emphasizing the vessel’s imposing presence and the bustling river setting.

The painting depicts the Dutch man‑of‑war Brielle sailing on the River Maas off Rotterdam, as indicated by its title. As a marine work, it portrays a warship with full sail, emphasizing the vessel’s imposing presence and the bustling river setting. The subject thus conveys the strength and prestige of the Dutch naval fleet during the late seventeenth century, using the ship as a symbol of maritime power and civic pride.

Technique & Style

The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam is an oil painting executed on canvas. The work measures 197 cm in width and 130 cm in height, depicting a warship on the Maas River near Rotterdam. Bakhuizen applied oil paint to achieve detailed and atmospheric effects, characteristic of marine art.

The painting is classified as a history painting and belongs to the marine genre, reflecting the artist’s focus on naval subjects. It was created in 1689 and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, owned by Henry Hope.

History & Provenance

The painting The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam was created by Ludolf Bakhuizen in 1689 as an oil on canvas work. It entered the collection of Henry Hope before being acquired by the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display in hall 2.15. The work measures 197 cm in width and 130 cm in height and is classified as a history painting within the marine art genre.

The painting is held at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is displayed in hall 2.15. It bears the inventory number SK-A-1865 and was acquired by the museum through the bequest of Henry Hope. The work has been part of several exhibitions at the Rijksmuseum, including displays focusing on Dutch Golden Age marine art and 17th-century maritime paintings.

Overview

Ludolf Bakhuizen’s 1695 oil painting, The Man‑of‑War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam, presents a bustling river scene dominated by a three‑mast warship named Brielle. The vessel, with its partially furled sails and a distinctive flag, is set amid smaller boats and a cloudy sky that is illuminated from one side, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

Context

The painting belongs to the Dutch Golden Age’s tradition of documenting naval power and commerce. By depicting a warship on the Maas, Bakhuizen underscores the strategic importance of Rotterdam’s waterways during a period when maritime trade and military readiness were central to Dutch prosperity.

The Dutch Man-of-War "De Gouden Leeuw" on the River Y near Amsterdam
The Dutch Man-of-War "De Gouden Leeuw" on the River Y near Amsterdam, Ludolf Bakhuizen

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ludolf Bakhuizen

Artist

Ludolf Bakhuizen

Ludolf Bakhuizen (28 December 1630 or 1632 – 7 November 1708) was a German-born Dutch painter, draughtsman, calligrapher and printmaker.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam?

The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam was painted by Ludolf Bakhuizen in 1689-01-01.

Where can I see The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam?

The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam?

The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam?

Museum-quality prints of The Man-of-War Brielle on the River Maas off Rotterdam are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.