The Eddystone lighthouse

Updated February 2016) The Eddystone lighthouse drawn probably immediately after its completion. Several barges rowing round it; and to the right at anchor a yacht stern view, a small frigate starboard bow view, and in the distance a tree-decker with flags at he main and mizzen.

The Eddystone lighthouse, built by Henry Winstanley, was begun in 1696. The light was exhibited for the first time on 14 November 1698. It was swept away with Winstanley in it in the Great Storm of November 1703.

This is an unsigned pencil and wash drawing by the Younger. The composition was known to Peter Monamy since there is a practically identical oil by him in the Plymouth Museums and Art Gallery collection. If Monamy did not copy it from some other version it is certainly possible that he owned and used this drawing, since a considerable number by the van de Veldes were advertised as being included in the studio sale that took place after his death in 1749.

Object Details

ID: PAF6986
Collection: Fine art
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Velde, Willem van de, the Younger
Places: Unlinked place
Date made: 1699?
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 265 x 407 mm; Mount: 406 mm x 556 mm