Storm: Two English Ships being Driven Ashore on to Rocks

Willem van der Velde the younger (Leyden 1633 – London 1707). Oil painting on canvas, Storm: Two English Ships being Driven Ashore on to Rocks by Willem van der Velde the younger (Leyden 1633 – London 1707), signed and dated lower right: W.V.Velde 1673. A storm: two English ships being driven ashore onto rocks. The wind from the left of the picture. A patch of light in the left with storm clouds above to the right. In the centre, starboard bow view, an English two-decker in a very heady sea close to some rocks in the right middle-distance. Her mainmast is standing, including the topmast and topgallantmast, above which is a vane on a short staff. Her main course is furled and the yard lowered aport last; her main topsail is neatly stowed in the top. The fore topmast has carried away some six feet above the cap. Her fore-course is lowered half-way and the sheets are let fly. In the foreground close on the first ship's starboard bow is the fore part of a smaller ship lifting to a sea. Her foremast is standing, but the fore-satay has carried away and the topmast has carried away and the topmast has gone. Ham House, Surrey (Accredited Museum)