Dutch Ships at Anchor with a Yacht Lying Head to the Wind 1664

Willem van de Velde II rendered these Dutch ships at anchor using pen and brown ink, with grey wash on paper. The artist’s hand deftly navigates the inherent qualities of ink and paper, using the contrasting tones to convey the interplay of light on water, sails, and rigging. The thinness of ink allows for quick, expressive lines, capturing the dynamism of maritime life and a sense of depth and atmosphere, while the paper offers a receptive ground for these fleeting impressions. Van de Velde’s mastery reflects a deep engagement with the culture of seafaring. The depiction of maritime activity is far more than just a picturesque scene. It reminds us of the immense amount of labor involved in the construction and maintenance of these ships, and in the global networks of trade and exchange that they enabled. Paying attention to the materials, processes, and the socio-economic context allows us to understand the broader significance of this seemingly simple drawing, while challenging conventional boundaries between art, craft, and maritime history.