Artwork

Naval battle near Elseneur in the Sound between the Dutch and the Swedish fleets, 8 November 1658

Naval battle near Elseneur in the Sound between the Dutch and the Swedish fleets, 8 November 1658, by Peter van de Velde, oil, 1670
Naval battle near Elseneur in the Sound between the Dutch and the Swedish fleets, 8 November 1658, by Peter van de Velde, oil, 1670

Naval battle near Elseneur in the Sound between the Dutch and the Swedish fleets, 8 November 1658 is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Peter van de Velde. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Naval battle near Elseneur in the Sound between the Dutch and the Swedish fleets, 8 November 1658 is a 1670 oil painting by Flemish marine artist Peter van de Velde, capturing a pivotal naval clash in vivid detail.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a chaotic sea battle between Dutch and Swedish fleets on November 8, 1658, near Elseneur in the Sound, conveying the intensity and turmoil of 17th-century naval warfare.

Technique & Style

Van de Velde employed chiaroscuro, juxtaposing dark shadows with bright highlights to create dramatic depth, making the ships stand out against the turbulent sky filled with smoke and clouds.

History & Provenance

Created in 1670, the work is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection. Notably, the attribution to 'Peter van de Velde' might refer to two individuals, possibly a father-son duo, due to the unusually long active period associated with the name.

Context

This historical naval scene is characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age's artistic output, reflecting the era's fascination with maritime power and conflict.

Artist & collection

Artist

Peter van de Velde

Peter van de Velde or Peter van den Velde was a Flemish marine painter who was active in Antwerp.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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