First retrospective exhibition of Van de Velde marine artists

War 'correspondent'

Willem van de Velde the Elder was often personally present during the great naval battles. A sailing boat (a 'galliot') was made available to him, and he was ferried between the enormous war ships. He sketched the hostilities on paper, adding annotations so that he could later work out these sketches in detail in his studio.

Unprecedented Productivity

The Van de Velde's painting studio existed for over seventy years. Their productivity during this period was unprecedented: they are estimated to have produced more than 2500 drawings and 800 paintings. Today their works of art can be found in every major art and maritime museum around the world. Their work inspired many generations of Dutch, British and French marine artists who came after them.

For more information, read more on exhibition - expected: Willem van de Velde, father and son (hetscheepvaartmuseum.com)