Squadron of Prince Henry of the Netherlands in the Channel during rough weather, 1843

Executed in oil, Schotel employs a muted palette of grays and deep blues to render the storm‑laden sea and sky. Vigorous brushwork defines the churning water and billowing clouds, while precise detailing on the rigging and hulls conveys his familiarity with maritime subjects. The contrast of light and shadow heightens the dramatic atmosphere.

Created in 1843, the painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings as part of its 19th‑century marine art collection. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to documenting Dutch naval heritage and the artistic tradition of seascape painting that flourished in the Netherlands during that period.

Schotel, a noted marine painter from a family of artists, often depicted ships in realistic, sometimes turbulent, settings. This work aligns with the 19th‑century Dutch interest in documenting naval power and the challenges of maritime navigation, while also resonating with broader Romantic fascination with nature’s sublime and destructive capacities.