Rijkversierd Engels (?) fregat (rechterblad) Possibly 1621 - 1707

Willem van de Velde the Elder created this drawing of a richly ornamented English frigate using pen in gray-brown and brush in gray. The drawing is fascinating for the way it highlights the relationship between artistic skill and the booming maritime industry. The English frigate, with its elaborate carvings, wasn't just a vessel; it was a floating display of power. Van de Velde’s careful draftsmanship captures every detail, from the formidable cannons to the sculpted figures adorning the stern. The drawing also speaks to the extensive labor involved in constructing and maintaining these ships. Think of the woodworkers, carvers, and metalworkers who contributed to the ship’s ornate design. The meticulousness of the drawing mimics the labor of shipbuilding itself, underscoring the intimate connection between handcraft and maritime power. This was a world where artistry and industry sailed hand in hand.