Seascape

In his Musaeum, Cardinal Borromeo writes about this painting: “The sea appears in a view so serene, tranquil and extensive that anyone who turns his eyes in that direction might believe that he is pacing those marine distances with both eye and foot.” In the deed of donation of 1618 he also states that this view “is one of the most beautiful things upon which I have ever set my eyes”, and it appears that he really considered it to be the finest work by Bril in his collection. The canvas was commissioned by Borromeo during his visit to Rome in 1610, when he asked Bril to make a replica of a seascape now in Brussels. The work was completed with some variants in 1611 and bought for 50 gold ducats.