Jacob Adriaensz Bellevois - Ships at Sea - Walters 372499

The importance of overseas trade, naval battles with Spain and then England, and fishing created a great demand for marine subjects. Most do not depict specific events; however, given the moral consciousness of the times, a painting of a storm at sea-just like the actual phenomenon-might prompt thoughts on the precariousness of life.
Bellevois specialized in scenes of the sea and maritime life. He inserted his signature on the Dutch flag flying from the foremast of the warship at the left.