English flagships getting under way in a light breeze

To the right, a starboard bow view of a three-decker bearing up before the wind with her fore course, three topsails and spritsail topsail set; flags at the fore and main. On the left, a starboard quarter view of a ship with flag at the main having only her fore topsail set. Five other ships in the background, including on the right a rear-admiral close hauled on the port tack.

This is an unsigned pencil and wash drawing by the Younger, with slight strengthenings in pen and brown ink. It may possibly be a faint drawing with some was added by a later hand. The corrections in brown ink are quite in the manner of the Younger.

Object Details

ID: PAF6926
Collection: Fine art
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Velde, Willem van de, the Younger
Date made: 1675?
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 192 x 370 mm; Mount: 403 mm x 551 mm