A Dutch Ship, possibly the Amsterdam; Quarter View, with the sails hanging loose
1665
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1665
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
A Dutch Ship, possibly the Amsterdam; Quarter View, with the sails hanging loose is a 1665 by Willem van de Velde the elder, a Baroque work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This sketch shows a big Dutch ship from the side, with three tall masts and loose sails flapping empty. The front of the ship has fancy carvings near the waterline, and the hull is marked with straight lines. The drawing is all in pencil or charcoal, with quick, light strokes that leave some blank paper showing. The artist focused on how the ship’s sails and rigging look when they’re not in use. This kind of drawing helped shipbuilders and sailors understand details better. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more drawings like this.
