A square sail hauled up RMG PW6648, circa 1685

A square sail hauled up this drawing depicting a square sail of a small vessel is rubbed on the back and is therefore an offset, a process both van de veldes used to make an identical or similar drawing from an existing one, usually of a ship’s hull. Van de velde made a large number of drawings of parts of ships, including their sails and rigging. These provided the information he needed for his oil paintings. The drawing is rubbed on the back and is an offset. A square sail hauled up. Date: circa 1685. Dimensions: Mount: 215 mm x 327 mm. Collection: Fine art.