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

This drawing of King Charles II's journey on the Thames to Sheerness and Chatham was made in 1681, by Willem van de Velde I, using pen in gray. The drawing's effectiveness comes from its skillful exploitation of the pen and paper. The artist captures the scale of the ships, and their regal bearing, using the most economical of means. Note how the light is captured by the white of the paper, and how the artist imbues the scene with texture using only tonal variation. Van de Velde was known for his maritime scenes, and his ability to capture the essence of ships and the sea with minimal detail. He was a master of suggestion, letting the viewer's imagination fill in the blanks. His mastery of the medium, together with his profound understanding of shipbuilding, navigation, and naval power made him the pre-eminent marine draftsman of his day. Ultimately, this drawing demonstrates that artistry isn't just about the final image, it's about the process and the artist's understanding of their materials and subject.