Marine

A group of Dutch vessels are attempting to manoeuvre by a beach under a cloudy sky. The coast is busy with people occupied with various tasks. Panoramic scenes such as this one are typical of Cornelis Claesz van Wieringen, whose idiom was influenced by the grandiose and expressive style of Hendrick Cornelisz Vrooms. The marine painter specialised in depicting dramatic naval battles typically featuring the Spanish Armada in flames, defeated by a triumphant Dutch fleet. Although there is a strong wind present in this scene, it is also characterised by a certain calmness that distinguishes it from many of his other paintings. This is underscored by the simple horizontal composition and the limited range of matte and pale grey colours used to paint the sky.