Artwork

Dutch Vessels

Dutch Vessels, by John Greenwood
Dutch Vessels, by John Greenwood

Dutch Vessels is a drawing by the Romanticist artist John Greenwood. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Dutch Vessels is a drawing created by John Greenwood in 1761 using Indian ink. The work is signed and dated by the artist.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts three old-style Dutch ships sailing on calm water, with loose sails and sturdy but simple designs. A shoreline with trees is visible in the background under a subdued sky.

Technique & Style

Greenwood employed ink to capture the shapes and lines of the vessels, executing the drawing with a sense of rapidity. Variations in line density suggest shadows, achieved through differing levels of ink application.

Artist & collection