Studies of Ships and Boats 1640 - 1707

Willem van de Velde II was a Dutch Golden Age painter specializing in maritime scenes. This drawing, "Studies of Ships and Boats," showcases his mastery of detail and realistic depiction of ships, as seen in the four studies of various vessels. The piece, created with pen and ink, demonstrates the artist's quick sketches, capturing the movement and structure of the ships with meticulous lines and subtle shading. It is a valuable example of his working process, offering a glimpse into the development of his more finished paintings. This drawing is currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.