Boats at Anchor n.d.

Willem van de Velde II's "Boats at Anchor," a delicate drawing in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the artist's mastery of capturing the details of maritime life. This masterful work, executed in the late 17th century, exemplifies his skill in depicting ships at rest in a light, breezy style. The artist, renowned for his maritime art, uses subtle shading and light strokes to create a sense of depth and movement, capturing the tranquility of boats gently swaying at anchor. The drawing's intimate scale underscores the importance of observation and detail in van de Velde's practice.