Portrait of the 'York'

This is a ship portrait, viewed from the port quarter. Notably, the ship has square decorated ports.

It is inscribed de Jorck, and is dated on the stern: 1674. It has been signed by Willem van de Velde the Younger: W V V (J). In spite of the signature and inscription, which is considered to be in the Younger’s hand, the drawing has been tentatively attributed to Willem van de Velde the Elder. The smoothness of the wash along the side is perhaps in the manner of the Younger but little else is. The large correction in the waterline at the luff, the exaggerated length for the amount of stern showing, the untidiness of the pencil-work, the figures on deck and the flick of pencil underneath the bow to suggest water, are all characteristic of the Elder.

The work has been dated based on the inscription on the boat’s stern.

Object Details

ID: PAI7273
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Velde, Willem van de, the Elder
Vessels: York (1653)
Date made: 1674?
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Sheet: 360 x 689 mm; Mount: 657 mm x 961 mm