Ships on a rough sea. Drawing in pen and ink, and gray wash, by Gerrit Groenewegen (1754–1826). Size: 18,5 x 25,5 cm.
Painter and etcher Groenewegen spent his entire life in Rotterdam and lived just outside the then city limits on the Westzeedijk. Like his father, he was a ship carpenter. However, after an accident – he was trapped under a closing drawbridge – he lost part of his right leg at a young age, which prevented him from continuing in this profession. He then developed himself as an artist. He became known for his precise and detailed depictions of maritime subjects, often portrayed with a technical accuracy that reflected his knowledge of shipbuilding and seafaring.
Only seven paintings are known of his. However, as a draftsman and etcher, he was very productive. His earliest drawings date from 1779, and his last likely from 1816. Many of his drawings and watercolours are topographical, focusing on Rotterdam and its surroundings, with an emphasis on harbours and the Maas River, though his specialty was depicting ships.
In 1820, Van Eijnden and Van der Willigen wrote about Groenewegen in their Vaderlandsche Schilderkunst [History of Dutch Painting]: “He draws ships of all kinds and in all directions, in calm and turbulent waters, with watercolors and Indian ink. Having learned ship carpentry, this has been particularly useful to him in the precise drawing of ships.”
In this maritime scene, Groenewegen used light brushstrokes and simple gray tones to depict the turbulent sea and threatening sky, enhancing the dynamism and movement of the ships. The flat-bottomed vessel in the foreground seems to be struggling with the waves, while other ships can be seen further in the background. The composition suggests a stormy atmosphere at sea, and the whitecaps on the waves reflect the power of the water.
Price: Euro 1.350,-
