Artwork
Amsterdam, Ships at the IJ on Choppy Waters
Amsterdam, Ships at the IJ on Choppy Waters is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Teyler. It dates from 1691 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:recto: at upper right, in brown ink: 36 [crossed out in graphite]; at lower right, in graphite: Johannes Teyler. [?] bei Amsterdam [indecipherable, in later hand]; at bottom right, in black ink: 28 [crossed out in graphite]; verso: none
- Markings
- Marked:none
About this work
Overview
Amsterdam, Ships at the IJ on Choppy Waters is a color etching with hand coloring on laid paper, attributed to Johann Teyler, dating to circa 1691.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a bustling Amsterdam harbor scene, emphasizing maritime activity amidst turbulent weather. Tall sailing ships with varied sail colors (red, brown, white) navigate rough waters, set against the backdrop of the city's skyline and a cloudy sky.
Technique & Style
Teyler employed the à la poupée etching technique, combining ink with meticulous hand coloring to achieve detailed renderings of the ships. The choppy water effect conveys a sense of dynamic movement, possibly highlighting the power of the wind.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1691, specific provenance details for this particular print are not provided in the available information.
Context
This etching reflects 17th-century Dutch interest in maritime themes, common during the Dutch Golden Age, when the country's naval prowess and trade dominance inspired numerous artistic depictions of ships and harbors.
Legacy
While the broader impact or notable exhibitions of this specific etching by Teyler are not detailed here, it contributes to the historical record of Dutch printmaking and maritime art of its era.
Artist & collection
