Coast scene with shipping anchored off-shore and figures on a beach in the foreground

Abraham Storck 1644 - 1708

Summary

This intricate and ambitious coast scene by the Amsterdam seascape painter, Abraham Storck, depicts shipping anchored offshore in a flat calm. The large ship with an elaborately decorated stern, left of centre, is most likely a states yacht. These ceremonial vessels were used to carry admirals, or members of the Dutch East India Company. Storck has depicted the ships and rigging in great detail, and enlivened his seascape with figures: two smartly dressed men, possibly naval officers, have just come ashore, where locals are greeting them. Abraham Storck was a talented painter of marine subjects and figures, who was greatly influenced by the seascapes of Willem van de Velde II and Ludolf Backhuysen. He is well known for his pictures of the festive and ceremonial aspects of Dutch martime life.

Display Label

Coast Scene with Shipping Anchored Off Shore and Figures on a Beach  about 1660-70

Abraham Storck  1644-1708

Oil on panel

The ship with an elaborately decorated stern, to the left of the centre of the scene, is most likely a states yacht. These ceremonial vessels were used to carry admirals, or members of the Dutch East India Company. Storck depicted the ships and rigging in great detail. He also enlivened his seascapes with figures: two smartly dressed men, possibly naval officers, have just come ashore, and are greeted by the locals.

Storck worked in Amsterdam and was influenced by Willem van de Velde and Ludolf Backhuysen, whose works hang nearby.

Assheton Bennett bequest  1979.504