Artwork

The prince's yacht and the state yacht, presumably awaiting the arrival of Charles II of England near Moersdijk, 1660

The prince's yacht and the state yacht, presumably awaiting the arrival of Charles II of England near Moersdijk, 1660 is an ink painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Willem van de Velde the elder. It dates from 1688 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Willem van de Velde the Elder’s ink drawing, dated 1688, portrays two royal vessels—identified as the prince’s yacht and the state yacht—positioned near Moersdijk as they await the arrival of Charles II in 1660. The composition is rendered in monochrome, emphasizing the tranquil expanse of water and the subtle horizon beyond.

Subject & Meaning

The work records a moment of diplomatic significance, capturing the English monarch’s anticipated landing on Dutch waters. By focusing on the royal yachts rather than a bustling harbor, the artist underscores the ceremony of royal travel and the peaceful anticipation surrounding the restoration of the English throne.

Technique & Style

Executed entirely in ink, the drawing relies on fine cross‑hatching and varied line weight to model form and convey atmospheric depth. Darker strokes delineate the hulls and rigging, while lighter washes suggest sky and water, creating a balanced interplay of texture and space characteristic of van de Velde’s precise maritime studies.

History & Provenance

Although completed in the late 1680s, the scene references events from 1660. The piece entered the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it remains part of the Dutch Golden Age holdings, illustrating the artist’s reputation for documenting contemporary naval subjects.

Context

Created during a period when Dutch ship‑building and cartography flourished, the drawing reflects the Netherlands’ role as a maritime hub. Van de Velde the Elder, renowned for his accurate ship depictions, contributed to a visual record that supported both artistic and technical interests in 17th‑century seafaring.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Willem van de Velde the elder

Willem van de Velde the Elder (1610/11 – 13 December 1693) was a Dutch Golden Age seascape painter, who produced many precise drawings of ships and ink paintings of fleets, but later learned to use oil paints like his son.