Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Dutch Men-of-war entering a Mediterranean Port

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Buy a print or image licence

You can purchase this reproduction

If you have any products in your basket we recommend that you complete your purchase from Art UK before you leave our site to avoid losing your purchases.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

A fresh breeze, a choppy sea – sails billow, flags fly high and proud. This painting is a piece of patriotic propaganda.

The man-of-war (or battleship) at anchor on the left in the Mediterranean harbour flies the Dutch flag at its stern. Only one sail is furled and the gun ports are open with the canons still protruding. The great ship has just arrived in port but is still a force to be reckoned with.

Bakhuizen always painted real ships alive and responding to a real sea that has depth and power. He shows the rigging (ropes that hoist and control the sails) with great accuracy. He shows sailors at their work, always busy – but orderly. His paintings are physical. You can almost feel the wind and the spray, hear the slap of the rigging and the flap of the flags.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Dutch Men-of-war entering a Mediterranean Port

Date

1681

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 118.5 x W 163 cm

Accession number

NG1050

Acquisition method

Miss Sarah Solly Bequest, 1879

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue