Marine 1698

"Marine" is a watercolor painting by Sieuwert van der Meulen created in 1698, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts a seascape, with a man leading an ox along a shore in the foreground, while a large ship sails in the distance. The scene is enveloped in a light mist, giving the image a soft, dreamy quality. The careful detail of the figures and the subtle wash of color employed by the artist in the sky and the water suggest a keen eye for observation and an interest in capturing the fleeting nature of light. This delicate watercolor demonstrates the Dutch fascination with maritime scenes in the late 17th century.