17th Century Maritime Art by Willem Van De Velde the Elder

[Tattooed John]

Since many of us use period paintings as primary resources, I figured these might be helpful, or at the very least cool to see. The artist is Dutch painter, Willem Van de Velde The Elder (1611-1693) who is most known for his paintings of naval battle scenes as well as port scenes and individuals etc. What I always liked about his art is the attention to detail that he adds in, such as figureheads, individual sailors etc. Although I don't think there is any record of him being in the New World, he lived right during the height of privateer/buccaneer activity and the very beginning of the GAOP in the Caribbean and the Main. If anyone wants to add more pics to this post feel free, I've put a few of my favorites. You can find more of his work at this link http://www.artcyclopedia.com , and search Willem Van de Velde the Elder, Enjoy!

-Tattooed John

Figures on Board Small Merchant Vessels

Figures on Board Small Merchant Vessels (1650- 1655)

Peasants (17th century)

The Battle of the Sound (1668)

Edited April 23, 2011 by Tattooed John

[Mission]

Interesting hats. Not a tricorn amongst 'em. I wonder if that's because it was drawn in the Netherlands? (Or perhaps it's the era. I'm by no means a hat expert, but they all look a more like my hat than what most people choose.)

[Cannibal Chrispy]

The hat in the right foreground of the first pic is pretty "Chrispy-esq"

Edited April 23, 2011 by Cannibal Chrispy

[Cap'n Black Jack]

To early for tricorns they really did not appear until the end of the 17th century. However the drawings are spectacular. Love them and thanks for posting them.

Black Jack

[Jack Roberts]

Ditto... It looks very mid 1600's to me. With the doublets, breeches and hats the way they are. Still very cool.