The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea Exhibition

Willem van de Velde the Younger, A Royal Visit to the Fleet (detail), 1672, Queen’s House, Royal Museums Greenwich. Image © National Maritime Museum, London.

The Van de Veldes were two of the most sought-after marine artists in 17th century Europe. The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea celebrates the remarkable collection of their paintings in the Queen’s House which was the location of their studio for over 20 years. Contemporaries of Rembrandt in the Dutch Republic, they were invited to live and work in England following the restoration of the monarchy. Today, The the Van de Veldes are considered the founders of English marine painting, inspiring generations of artists including J.M.W. Turner. The exhibition website includes material about conservation of one of the tapestries they designed and their drawings.