Full Record |
| Title |
A Calm Sea with Two Fishing Boats, a Man O'War Firing a Salute Beyond |
| Alternative Title |
A Calm |
| Collection |
Mount Edgcumbe House |
| Artist |
Velde, Willem van de, II (Dutch painter, 1633-1707) |
| Date Earliest |
probably about 1670 |
| Date Latest |
possibly about 1685 |
| Signed |
yes |
| Description |
Although this painting is likely to have been purchased after Willem van de Velde II came to England from Amsterdam in 1670 it is possible it was painted before that date. Many of the artist's depictions of calm seas and fishing boats date from his early career, and the subject in this painting is distinctly Dutch. As well as the pennants flying from the ships' masts, windmills are visible along the low horizon. An intriguing amount of activity and detail gives depth to the composition and atmospheric calmness of the scene, not least the single-shot salute being fired in the background. |
| Current Accession Number |
Plymm.021 |
| Inscription |
front lr 'W V VELDE' |
| Subject |
marine |
| Measurements |
52.3 x 58.1 cm cm (estimate) |
| Material |
oil on canvas |
| Acquisition Details |
Given in lieu of tax from the estate of Edward Piers, 7th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, 1985. |
| Provenance |
Probably purchased from the artist by Sir Richard Edgcumbe (1639-1688), 1685; by descent. |
| Principal Exhibitions |
Works of the Old Masters, Royal Academy, London, 1876, cat. no. 256. as A Calm. |
| Notes |
Recorded in the inventory of paintings at Mount Edgcumbe House (possibly compiled before 1941): (Gallery) '§Barge with Red Sail§ / Size 1'0 1/2§ x 1'8§. Painted by W. Van de Welde'. Back of stretcher: exhibition label 'Royal Academy Exhibition of the Works of the Old Masters, 1876 / Name of Artist 'W Vandewelde' / Title of Work 'A Calm' / Earl of Mt. Edgcumbe; label written in red, '36'. Back of frame: '118 [circled]'; handwritten label 'A Calm / Artist's name Vandewelde / Lent by the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Mt. Edgcumbe', 'No. 3', '9 [circled]'. |
| Rights Owner |
Copyright Mount Edgcumbe Collection |
| Author |
Dr Anne L. Cowe |
