Willem van de Velde
1633-1707
The Dutch Baroque painter Willem van de Velde the Younger is probably the most famous marine painter in art history. He has also been given the nickname "Raphael of marine painting".
He was initially instructed by the marine painter Simon de Vlieger, whose atmospheric seascapes became a constant model for Willem. His father Willem van de Velde the Elder was also a marine draughtsman. Willem van de Velde the Elder was commissioned like a reporter to document sea battles and the ships of the Dutch and also foreign fleets. His son liked to use his sketches to paint fictitious compositions of particular colouristic charm. In 1672, father and son van de Velde moved to England. There they were engaged to the court of Charles II, where the two painters received several exceptional privileges as an expression of the king's esteem.
The works of Willem the Younger continue to influence many artists concerned with the depiction of seafaring to this day. Particularly admirable are the paintings of calm seas – with enchanting water reflections and breath-taking light.
His main works can be found in the National Gallery in London, the Bridgewater Gallery, private collections and the Imperial Museum in Amsterdam.
