In this small canvas we are amazed by the balanced proportions of the vast dome of the sky and the majestic spaces of the sea. We can pick out both far off sails on the horizon and little rowboats and vessels nearer the foreground, from which a boat sets off towards the shore loaded with cargo. Taking advantage of the low tide and the small waves, gentlemen and ladies are walking on the shore, paddling in the water; a few daring fellows are even swimming. The wind puffs at leaden clouds through which we can just see patches of the cold, blue sky.
In the colouring there is a fine play between the transparent green of the water and the white ridges of the waves, the yellow sand dunes and the steel-grey tone of the sinister clouds reflected in the water. Ruisdael (Dutch, c.1628 – 1682) painted with a flowing, liquid stroke, from beneath which the white ground seems to light up the surface, like some magical glittering in the depths.
The figures were delicately painted by Adriaen van de Velde, for in his later years Ruisdael concentrated solely on the depiction of nature.
[Oil on canvas, 52 x 68 cm]
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