Ships in Distress in a Raging Storm

landscape

The violence of nature is the main focus of Backhuysen's painting. He concentrated on the high waves lashing against the ships The frigate in the foreground attempts to lower her sails before it is too late. Two masts of the ship on the left have nearly been swept overboard.

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About the Artist

Ludolf Backhuysen

1630 – 1708

Dutch marine painter, active mainly in Amsterdam. After the van de Veldes moved to England in 1672, Backhuysen became the most popular marine painter in Holland. He captures the drama and movement of ships, but seldom achieves the poetic effects of either van de Velde the Younger or Jan van de Capelle.

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