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Notes
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In this panel, van Eertvelt has taken up the popular motif of ships sailing off a rocky coast in a fresh breeze. In the foreground a Dutch Merchantmen flies the Dutch flag and ensign. It is depicted heading for rocks, which project forward into the dynamic waves, while rounding a mountainous, wooded coastline on the right. To its left a small sailing boat appears to be chased by a large creature that was probably intended to represent a whale. The coastline has only been portrayed loosely. A second large fish can be seen on the right. The ship is shown trapped between dangers that could end in its shipwreck. The sky and sea are perceived with a new degree of realism and spatial depth; the overall green of the waves has been gradually lightened towards the horizon.
The danger to shipping presented by rocky shores is frequently explored by seventeenth-century Dutch marine artists. The presence of large fish or whale is a common motif. Generally it represents the unknown, monstrous dangers of the deep. Shipwrecks and storms occur frequently in van Eertvelt’s early work. This allegorical scene might refer to potential rather than certain danger. This would have also carried moral overtones for a seventeenth-century audience. The ship as a symbol was open to a number of different interpretations, from the ‘Ship of State’ to the ‘Ship of Life’. Metaphorically, the spectator would be reminded that the safe stewardship of a ship demanded vigilance, wisdom, caution and prudence and, in case of the ‘Ship of Life’, God’s guidance.
Title
Dutch Ships Sailing off a Rocky Shore
Date
1610–1615
Medium
oil on panel
Measurements
H 53.3 x W 104.1 cm
Accession number
BHC0749
Work type
Painting
National Maritime Museum
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England
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