Artwork
A sea-scene
A sea-scene is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Abraham Susenier. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1656, *A sea‑scene* is an oil painting by Dutch artist Abraham Susenier. The work belongs to the marine genre that flourished in the Dutch Golden Age and is now held in the Fitzwilliam Museum’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas portrays a storm‑tossed sea, with towering waves crashing against a rocky shore. Dark, heavy clouds dominate the sky, while distant vessels struggle to navigate the turbulent waters, conveying a mood of unrest and the power of nature.
Technique & Style
Susenier employs strong chiaroscuro, contrasting the illuminated crests of the waves with deep shadows on the rocks and sky. This handling of light and dark enhances the sense of depth and dramatizes the stormy atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Born in Leiden circa 1620, Susenier later worked in Dordrecht and joined the local Guild of Saint Luke in 1646. Though chiefly known for still‑life paintings of silverware, he produced this marine work during his mid‑career, which eventually entered the Fitzwilliam Museum’s holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Abraham Susenier (c. 1620 in Leiden – 1666/72 in Dordrecht), was a Dutch Golden Age painter. According to Houbraken he was a still life painter especially good at painting silverwork, who joined the Dordrecht Guild of…
