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The Resolution In a Gale, c.1678 (oil on canvas)
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The Resolution In a Gale, c.1678 (oil on canvas)
7342591 The Resolution In a Gale, c.1678 (oil on canvas) by Velde, Willem van de, the Younger (1633-1707); 119.4x101.6 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Willem van de Velde, the Younger
In the foreground is the Resolution, in port-quarter view, close-hauled on the port tack. Her topsails are neatly furled, she has a Union flag at the main and flies a red ensign. Resolution was one of the first of the 70-gun two-deckers, built at Harwich in 1667 and rebuilt in 1698. She was flagship of Sir Thomas Allin in 1668-70, the Union at the main signifying his role at that time as Admiral of a Fleet to the Streights (of Gibraltar), or, in more familiar terms, commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean. His fleet consisted of three third-rates, eleven fourth-rates and four fifth-rates, with three fire-ships, two ketches and a storeship. As Vice-Admiral he had Sir Edward Spragge in the Revenge and, as Rear-Admiral, Sir John Harman in the St David - who both operated separately on occasions in their continuing war to protect English merchant shipping against Barbary pirates. The picture is therefore presumably a commission from Allin and was done from several drawings the artist made of the subject. It may be based on Allin's reminiscence of a storm on 14 December 1669, of which he gives a brief account in his journal (also in the National Maritime Museum but edited by R.C. Anderson for the Navy Records Society; 2 vols. 1939-40). Close ahead of the Resolution is another two-decker with a common pendant at the masthead but no ensign or jack. The artist was younger son of Willem van de Velde the Elder.
Born in Leiden, he studied under Simon de Vlieger in Weesp and in 1652 moved back to Amsterdam. He worked in his father's studio and developed the skill of carefully drawing ships in tranquil settings. He changed his subject matter, however, when he came with his father to England in 1672-73, by a greater concentration on royal yachts, men-of-war and storm scenes. From this time painting sea battles for Charles II and his brother (and Lord High Admiral) James, Duke of York, and other patrons, became a priority. Unlike his father's works, however, they were not usually eyewitness accounts. After his father's death in 1693 his continuing role as an official marine painter obliged him to be more frequently present at significant maritime events. The painting is signed W.V.Velde J'.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38412394
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Amred Forces Buccaneer Corsair Gales Pirate Pirates Privateer Sail Boat Sail Boats Sailboats Sailing Ship The Winds Wind Windy Marines Maritime Force Naval Force Naval Infantry
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The 'Resolution' In a Gale, c.1678 by Willem van de Velde the Younger captures the power and majesty of a 70-gun two-decker ship battling through rough seas. The painting, now housed in the National Maritime Museum in London, showcases the artist's incredible attention to detail and skill in capturing maritime scenes.
In this particular work, we see the 'Resolution' close-hauled on the port tack, with her topsails neatly furled and a Union flag flying at the main. The red ensign flutters in the wind as she navigates through stormy waters. The background features another two-decker ship with a common pendant but no flags - adding an air of mystery to the scene.
Willem van de Velde was known for his ability to accurately depict ships and naval battles, making him a sought-after artist for commissions from high-ranking officials such as Sir Thomas Allin. This painting may have been inspired by Allin's own experiences during a storm in 1669, showcasing both historical accuracy and artistic interpretation.
Van de Velde's transition from tranquil ship settings to dramatic storm scenes demonstrates his versatility as an artist. His signature style is evident in every brushstroke of this masterpiece, inviting viewers to step into history and experience life at sea during the golden age of sail.
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