The Departure of Charles II of England from Scheveningen, 2 June 1660 1660 - 1701

Cornelis Beelt painted "The Departure of Charles II" using oil on canvas, capturing a historical event. Dominating the composition is a scene teeming with figures, a testament to Beelt's masterful handling of detail and scale. Note how the clouds mirror the crowd's excitement, yet the scene is awash in a muted palette, creating an atmosphere of restrained jubilation. This sea of faces, each a tiny brushstroke, invites a semiotic reading. The overall structure uses both diagonals and horizontals in a single perspectival field to construct a historical narrative. Consider the placement of the church on the right; it signifies the end of one era and the beginning of another, subtly echoing the shifting political landscape. The ships on the horizon serve as a sign, carrying Charles toward his destiny, and carrying England towards a Restoration. As you consider the formal qualities of Beelt's work, remember that a painting like this doesn't merely depict an event but engages with broader themes of power, transition, and the construction of historical memory.