De tocht van de Engelse koning Karel II over de Thames naar Sheerness en Chatham op 27 Augustus 1681 Possibly 1681 - 1688

This pen drawing by Willem van de Velde I, now in the Rijksmuseum, captures the journey of King Charles II on the Thames in 1681. At first glance, the composition evokes a sense of calm and order. The subtle gradations of gray ink, applied with precision, create a delicate balance between the sky and the water, populated with ships of varying sizes. Van de Velde’s technique emphasizes linear precision, meticulously detailing the rigging and sails of the ships. This reflects a formal approach, focusing on the structural elements of the maritime scene. The drawing becomes a study in perspective and spatial relations, inviting us to consider how the artist uses geometric forms to represent depth and movement across the water. The understated nature of the drawing, with its emphasis on structure and form, draws attention to the underlying framework of representation itself, inviting us to consider how visual language conveys meaning and shapes our understanding of historical events.