Spanish Ship off Naples | Abraham Willaerts | 1669

This painting adopts an unusual upright format and shows a Mediterranean harbour. The scene is perceived from a high viewpoint and bathed in milky golden sunshine. In the foreground a cobbled quay overlooks a bustling harbour. A grand lighthouse, in the background on the right, dominates the scene and a Spanish ship is seen, in starboard-bow view, at anchor. The vessel has an ornately carved stern and there is a figurehead of a prince on a leaping white horse on the bow. She flies the Spanish flag, a religious pennant from the mainmast, a red flag from the stern, the Spanish Burgundian cross from the foremast and a small jack on the sprit topmast. There is considerable activity both on the ship and in the rigging. One figure is climbing the foremast. The artist has paid particular attention to lively details. Small craft are shown in the surrounding water. The barge rowing towards the left, in the foreground, has three sets of oars. As well as what appear to be hinged deck sections over a small cargo space in the stern. The deck sections are raised and three men, including the helmsman, are standing or sitting within the small cargo space. In the distance, to the right, a small ceremonial barge with a canopy in the stern is going past the anchored ship. Another ship at anchor, probably flying the Dutch flag, can be seen in the distance. The bay is full of activity and shipping. 

Frame:

Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age.

All framed prints feature our premium fine art paper. This is a museum-quality paper which reproduces photography and artworks with exceptional tonality and renders sharp details with consistent flatness and accuracy.

Print: 

For the matted / mounted prints we use a thick 1.4mm window mount cut from premium, textured mountboard. All mounts are "conservation grade", FSC certified, 100% acid free, and will not discolour or fade with age.

• Simple, elegant design
• Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface
• Handmade by specialist picture framers
• FSC certified off-white mat / window mount
• Delivered ready for hanging