Whale in front of a Dutch ship - Claes Claesz Wou (1592-1665)

Dutch school of the 17th century

Oil on oak panel
Dutch style frame in molded and blackened wood.
Total dimensions : 59 x 71 cm. The panel alone : 37 x 48 cm

Near a rocky coast, two characters are looking at a ship that seems to be following a whale on a rough sea. The subject is not only anecdotal but very rare for a 17th century painting. A few museums have seascapes showing whale hunts.

Born in Amsterdam in 1592 and died in the same city in 1665, Claes Claesz Wou (1592-1665) was a painter who specialized in seascapes. Our painter is very poorly documented even though a large number of museums possess his works. Did he meet or work with Jan Porcelis 51585-1632) their technique seems very close.

Very good condition.