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The 'Play Prize', c.1689 (graphite, grey wash)
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The 'Play Prize', c.1689 (graphite, grey wash)
7341997 The 'Play Prize', c.1689 (graphite, grey wash) by Velde, Willem van de, the Younger (1633-1707); 28.4x43.7 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Willem van de Velde, the Younger
Here, a ship is viewed from before the port beam. No guns are shown aft on the gundeck and upper deck but it is still possible that the ports are closed. The figurehead seems to be a depiction of a small, seated child. The drawing is inscribed in brown ink: genamt kinder speele' K. This has supported an identification of the vessel as the 'Child's Play'. The ship was taken from the French in 1706 and was added to the Navy as the 'Child's Play'. She was lost in a hurricane in the West Indies in 1707. In this drawing, the boat has sixteen guns shown on the broadside and the style of the work is different from van de Velde's latest period. It is therefore more likely that the ship depicted here is the earlier ship called the 'Play Prize'. Both the 'Child's Play' and the 'Play Prize' were called 'Jeux' by the French, which explains this confusion.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38176868
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning graphite and grey wash print, titled 'The Play Prize', captures the intricate details of a ship from 1689 by renowned artist Willem van de Velde, the Younger. The ship is depicted from before the port beam, with no guns shown aft on the gundeck and upper deck. Despite this, it is possible that the ports are closed.
The figurehead of the ship appears to be a small seated child, adding a whimsical touch to this maritime scene. Inscribed in brown ink as 'genamt kinder speele' K, this drawing has led to an identification of the vessel as the 'Child's Play'. Interestingly, this ship was taken from the French in 1706 and later added to the Navy under its new name before being lost in a hurricane in 1707.
With sixteen guns shown on its broadside, this drawing showcases van de Velde's unique style during his earlier period. The confusion between two similarly named ships - 'Child's Play' and 'Play Prize' - adds an intriguing layer of history to this artwork. This piece offers a glimpse into naval history and van de Velde's mastery of marine artistry.
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