A work of art from the earliest formal period of marine art, this is a rare elusive original by the widely recognized marine master Willem van de Velde II. Definitely a work of sparse color, it is painstakingly detailed and exact in its presentation of a Dutch Royal Warship and a State's, or Boerer, Yacht. The best clue to actual identify the specific ships would be the coloration of the flags, which would set the alliance of each ship's fleet. It is very interesting that the artist was able to suggest in a monochromatic work so well done that it still brings forth the presence of true colors.
Perhaps better known as the royal artist whom is credited with inspiring the coming waves of British marine painters, Willem the Younger kept many Dutch patrons and Dutch scenes in his output while working in England. It is interesting to note that the van de Veldes left their country for England while the two nations were at war with each other. Royal and wealthy shipping patrons kept van de Velde in great demand, and his efforts to instruct and apprentice British artisans increased annually as well.
This work of art is very positively his, while many van de Veldes remain only attributed due to lack of signatures and known provenances.
