Marine par Temps Calme (Marine in Calm Weather), 2nd half of the 17th century

Willem Van de Velde le Jeune (1633-1707) was part of a dynasty of Dutch painters in the 17th century. He worked with his father, Willem l’Ancien, who specialized in naval battle scenes. In 1672, they both fled the French invasion, leaving Amsterdam and emigrating to England
This painting was part of the artist's Hollander period. The backlit boats provide contrast with their brown hues, in a largely light canvas. The sea is calm and reflects the white sky, to the point whereby the monochromic aspect of the piece prevents the eye from distinguishing the horizon clearly.
In England, the father and son duo painted battles and dynamic marine works. They obtained a studio and a pension from the royal family. Van de Velde le Jeune therefore acquired the title Illustrator of the Fleet .