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Notes
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In this painting Abraham Storck depicts the North Sea and the Dutch coast under a threatening sky. Sun and shadow alternate on the turbulent billows. Seagulls are swept along by the strong wind. The extensive sea wall is striking: rows of wooden posts jutting out of the sea and linked by a wooden barrier, known as groynes, protect the beach from the destructive waves. In the right background, behind the sand dunes, a few houses are visible at the edge of a village. In the foreground Storck has painted a fishing pink, which has been brought onto the beach on two round tree-trunk rollers. Storck not only alludes to the Dutch coast in this painting. He also quite accurately depicts the specific surroundings of the coastal village of Den Helder in the far north of the province of Holland, which was known for its strong sea wall.
The Dutch transport vessel with reddish-brown sails near the shore also appears on two drawings, dated 1671, by Abraham’s brother Jacob Storck. Abraham Storck probably created this painting shortly after 1670. The bluish-grey and rust-red tints alternating with white accents are reminiscent of the large work of Dubbels, and a certain affinity with the work of this Amsterdam artist is also visible in the rolling white crests on the water and the style of the staffage.
A drawing after this painting, attributed to Wigerus Vitringa, is preserved in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle. Whether the drawing was indeed made by this Frisian artist can be called into question on stylistic grounds. It originates from the collection of George III. It was supposedly created after the painting found its way from the Dutch Republic into an English collection.
Title
Fishing Boats in a Storm off the Dutch Coast at Den Helder
Date
1670–1675
Medium
oil on panel
Measurements
H 21.6 x W 30.5 cm
Accession number
BHC0934
Work type
Painting
National Maritime Museum
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England
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