Jeronimus van Diest

Ludolf Backhuysen

Ludolf Bakhuizen (or Backhuysen) (1630 – 1708) was a German-born Dutch Golden Age painter who was the leading Dutch painter of maritime subjects after the two Willem van de Veldes (father and son) left for England in 1672.
Backhuizen specialized in scenes of ships caught in storms, exploiting the dramatic tonal contrasts of white sails and spray against dark clouds and deep wave troughs. He is said to have risked his life while venturing out into stormy seas to observe the forces of nature. The clouds in these works are wonderful, and just as important as the waves.

Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek - Dutch

Sailing the Stormy Seas

Hermanus Koekkoek Snr - Dutch

detail

Details like the wet patch on the sail, dampened by the spray, show the amazing observational powers of these Old Masters of marine art, unaided by cameras. To those unfamiliar with the North Sea and The Channel, it really does have that silty grey appearance.

After Willem van der Welde II

Lecomte du Nouy,

The Gaulish Coastguards,
76.5 x 126.5 cms







Another example of figure and seascape genres combined.

Aelbert Cuyp

detail, National Gallery, London

When people hear the term "marine art" they often think of paintings on the walls of a stuffy men's club, but the best examples of painting in any genre are a treasure trove of learning for the oil painter.

Imitator of Thomas Couture

Caught by the Tide, National Gallery, London

Jan Abrahamsz Beerstraten

Storm at Sea

German Seestucke

Andreas Achenbach -
Fischkutter auf Sturmische See


Carl Frederick Schulz
Storm Approaching the English Coast


Mauritz deHaas, 13 x 20 inches

Backhuysen

detail and modif

Ruisdael

Ruisdael Jacob - Rough Sea with Sailing Vessels

NB there is another artist called Ruysdale (or similar)