Seascapes were another of the main themes of Dutch painting in the 17th century, along with landscapes, portraits, indoor scenes and still-lifes.

Sailing was the main source of income for the Dutch. Their mariners sailed the seven seas like modern-day Phoenicians, collecting all the treasures they could use to trade with, such as pearls, diamonds, porcelain and silks. There was not a single luxury item that did not spend some time in the holds of their ships.

The Thyssen Museum holds a major collection of seascapes, and one of the highlights is this work by the great landscape artist Jacob van Ruisdael. Notice the impressive stormy sky over a low horizon, letting the sunlight in through the clouds to light up the white foam on the waves, in the middle of a dark, raging sea, while a strong gale rocks the hulls of the ships.


(c) (R) 2013, MUSMon com S.L.
Text (a) Catalina Serrano Romero

Picture
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Author: DcoetzeeBot
Permission: This artwork is in the public domain: The author of this artwork died more than 70 years ago. According to E.U. Copyright Law, copyright expires 70 years after the author's death. In other countries, legislation may differ.