Ludolf Bakhuysen - Ships in Distress of a Rocky Coast [1667]

Ludolf Bakhuysen - Ships in Distress of a Rocky Coast [1667], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

The three ships in this large painting are the wide-bellied, seagoing vessels that transported much of Holland’s mercantile cargo. They display the Dutch flag of orange, white, and blue. These symbols of national optimism, however, are in peril of crashing against rocks during a storm. Each ship has a broken mast and, in the lower right foreground, floating wreckage reveals that one vessel has already sunk. Amid the dark grey and steely blue clouds and water, the sun’s golden rays give hope that calmer weather will soon return. The subject may be considered a vanitas, a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly existence.

Although realistic in appearance, the painting combines imaginary elements that Backhuysen (Dutch, 1631 - 1708) often used in his theatrical compositions. Complex shapes and sharp contrasts of light and shadow heighten the drama as do the massive cliffs and frothy spray. Backhuysen, German-born, moved to Amsterdam in 1649 to study marine painting. During the last quarter of the seventeenth century he was Holland’s leading seascape artist, with royal and noble patrons throughout Europe.

[National Gallery of Art, Washington - Oil on canvas, 114.3 x 167.3 cm]

Ludolf Bakhuysen - Ships in Distress in a Heavy Storm [c.1690]

Ludolf Bakhuysen - Ships in Distress in a Heavy Storm [c.1690], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

This painting was not intended as a depiction of a historical event. Its subject is the power of natural forces. The waves are swept up by the wind, endangering the ships as they roll about on the billowing sea. Perhaps these vessels will never reach port. The dramatic contrast of dark and light and the diagonal lines of the listing ships produce a compelling composition on the large canvas. It was said of Ludolf Bakhuysen that he often sailed out when a storm was brewing, to observe how the weather affected the sea and the sky. 

[Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam - Oil on canvas, 150 x 277 cm]