A sea fight
Velde, Willem van de, the Younger
1669
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Velde, Willem van de, the Younger
1669
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This sketch shows a chaotic battle at sea. Ships with tall masts clash in the middle, while smaller boats and debris float nearby. The waves are rough, and the shore is packed with scattered figures and wreckage. The drawing looks like it was done quickly—lines are loose and sketchy, not polished. It’s all in pencil or charcoal, with no color. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build depth with lines.