Artwork

Stormy Sea with Sailing Ships

Stormy Sea with Sailing Ships, by Simon de Vlieger, oil, 1640
Stormy Sea with Sailing Ships, by Simon de Vlieger, oil, 1640

Stormy Sea with Sailing Ships is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Simon de Vlieger. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Stormy Sea with Sailing Ships is a 1640 oil painting by Simon de Vlieger, a Dutch artist known for his marine works.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a turbulent sea with five ships navigating through stormy weather, their sails and flags caught in the wind. A small boat rows near the shore, adding to the scene's drama.

Technique & Style

De Vlieger's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of realism, with light and shadow accentuating the waves and clouds. The contrast between light and dark adds to the overall dramatic effect of the scene.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection, exemplifying the marine art genre characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Simon de Vlieger

Artist

Simon de Vlieger

Simon de Vlieger (c. 1601 – buried 13 March 1653) was a Dutch painter, draughtsman and designer of tapestries, etchings, stained glass windows. While he is mainly known for his marine paintings, he also painted beach…

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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