Pieter Mulier The Elder (17th Century), Ships In Choppy Waters

Pieter Mulier I
Dutch painter
Haarlem 1600/1615 – 1659 Haarlem
Ships in choppy waters
Oil on canvas : 71,0 X 114,4 cm
Monogrammed “P.M” on the spar of wood lower right
Frame : 86,1 X 130,4 cm

This is a typical monochrome seascape by the Haarlem painter Pieter Mulier the Elder: shipping on choppy waters under a vast clouded sky. His son, Pieter the Younger became an important marine painter in Italy.

Our picture is also a sharp political allegory: at left the Dutch ship proudly sails ahead in heavy weather, while at right the Spanish ship suffers from battering waves and strong winds. In 1648 Spain finally recognized an autonomous, independent Dutch Republic, signing the Peace Treaty of Münster. Holland had fought during 80 years against the Spanish oppressor.

All my paintings stand fully documented on my website:
https://www.jeanmoust.com/categories/maritime-subjects/mulier-pieter-i/dutch-ships-in-stormy-waters-824327