Shipping Scene from the Collection of Onuphrij Edwin

1720s

Elisha Kirkall after Willem van de Velde the Elder

Associated Names
Elisha Kirkall

Artist, English, c. 1682 - 1742

Willem van de Velde the Elder

Artist After, Dutch, 1611 - 1693

The image shows a maritime scene with ships at sea. The viewpoint is level with the sea's surface, offering a clear perspective of the ships and events. The horizon is in the upper third, blurred by smoke from burning ships. Large sailing ships dominate the view with smaller boats closer to us. The technique used appears delicate with smooth transitions and detailing in the sails and smoke. The color palette is somber, using shades of muted green and gray to create a subdued mood.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    mezzotint and etching printed in green and black on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 33.1 x 40 cm (13 1/16 x 15 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 38.9 x 45.9 cm (15 5/16 x 18 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.118.17.8

  • Series Title

    Shipping Scenes

Associated Artworks

See all 17 artworks
This is an artwork featuring Neptune in a sea scene. The top half shows Neptune riding a shell chariot pulled by two horses, holding a trident. Various mythological sea creatures and tritons blowing conch shells surround him. A large sailing ship is to the left, with a coastal cityscape in the background. The lower section displays a decorative letter or document with ornamental scrollwork, maritime symbols, and flowing script, indicating it is a receipt or contractual agreement illustrating a historical transaction.

Subscription Receipt (Neptune and Juno)

Elisha Kirkall

1720

Shipping Scenes

Elisha Kirkall

1729

The image shows a maritime scene with sailing ships on the water. The horizon is low, and various vessels are present, suggesting a naval standoff. A ship with billowing sails is prominent in the foreground, with other ships in the distance partially obscured by smoke. The water is depicted with swirling brushstrokes, creating a sense of movement. The color palette is mainly blues and greens, with an overcast sky and soft clouds merging with the sea.

Shipping Scene with Man-of-War

Elisha Kirkall

1682

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dukes of Devonshire, Chatsworth (Lugt 719); (sale, Christie's London, 1984, no. 165); Christopher Lennox-Boyd; (Nicholas Stogdon, Oxford); purchased 2004 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: W. Vanderveld Junr. pinx; lower center in plate: E. Collectione Onuphrij Edwin Armigeri.; lower right in plate: E Kirkall Fecit

Wikidata ID

Q76338717

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