Artwork

Bewegte See mit Fischerbooten

Bewegte See mit Fischerbooten, by Abraham van Beijeren, oil, 1665
Bewegte See mit Fischerbooten, by Abraham van Beijeren, oil, 1665

Bewegte See mit Fischerbooten is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Abraham van Beijeren. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Bewegte See mit Fischerbooten is a 17th-century Dutch Baroque painting by Abraham van Beijeren, created circa 1665. Executed in oil paint, it belongs to the Kunsthaus Zürich collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a turbulent maritime scene with fishing boats battling rough seas and a grey, cloud-filled sky. A central large boat, with billowing sails, is surrounded by smaller vessels, some at the mercy of the waves. The emphasis is on capturing the dynamic power of the sea.

Technique & Style

Van Beijeren employed chiaroscuro to achieve depth and contrast, characteristic of the Dutch Baroque style. The oil paint medium allowed for vivid textures, such as the choppy sea with visible white foam, enhancing the dramatic and energetic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Originally recognized for his marine paintings, Van Beijeren later gained acclaim for still lifes. This work is part of the Dutch Golden Age artistic movement and is currently held in the Kunsthaus Zürich collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Abraham van Beijeren

Artist

Abraham van Beijeren

Abraham Hendriksz van Beijeren or Abraham van Beyeren (c. 1620, The Hague – March 1690, Overschie (Rotterdam)) was a Dutch Baroque painter of still lifes. Little recognized in his day and initially active as a marine…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Kunsthaus Zürich open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.