The 'Hampton Court'

Willem van de Velde II (1633 - 1707)

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

This painting is a lively example of the greatest and best-known of this marine artist's works, produced while working in England for Charles II. It almost certainly represents either the Hampton Court or the Montacute which were of virtually identical design and both Man of War ships. The Van de Veldes, father and son, can claim to be the first pictorial war journalists, dodging about in a small boat during sea-fights noting the details of the action. Our knowledge of late 17th century ship construction depends very largely upon their observations and their eye for detail was phenomenal.

• Medium: oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 105 x 119 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £2500 ( Total: £20,000)
• ArtFunded in: 1972
• Vendor: Brian Koetser Gallery

Provenance

Lord Glentanar.

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