The quarter of a States yacht

This is one of a group of five drawings in the NMM’s collection of details of Dutch yachts drawn rapidly in pen and ink over preliminary graphite. Their style and subject suggest they belong to the period of van de Velde’s visit to Holland in 1685-6.

The term ‘quarter’ refers to the two after parts of a ship, on each side of the centreline. The drawing depicts an elaborately decorated quarter-badge of three windows, over the centre one a crowned shield bearing a lion rampant on crossed anchors with dolphin supporters. There is a seated female figure on the quarter, and top right, a decorated circular gunport. This is a more detailed drawing of the same quarter badge as depicted in PAF6656. The drawing is signed 'W.V.V.J.'.

Object Details

ID: PAF6654
Collection: Fine art
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Velde, Willem van de, the Younger
Date made: 1686?
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Primary support: 203 mm x 320 mm; Mount: 402 mm x 552 mm