Shipping Scene from the Collection of Jacob Gibbs

1720s

Elisha Kirkall

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 two sailing ships on a turbulent sea viewed from an elevated side angle. The horizon line is low, with other ships visible in the distance against overcast skies. Intricate brushstrokes detail the ships' rigging and sails, with a dramatic cloud formation above. The color palette includes muted greens and grays, with subtle whites of the ships' sails and breaking waves.

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: 35.5 x 43.5 cm (14 x 17 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.118.17.10

  • 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 pinx; lower center in plate: E. Collectione Jacobi Gibbs Architecti; lower right in plate: E. Kirkall Fecit

Wikidata ID

Q76338720

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