Willem van de Velde II

Willem van de Velde II (1611–1707) was a Dutch painter and draughtsman known for his contributions to the Baroque art movement. Born in the Netherlands, he specialized in marine painting, capturing the intricacies of naval battles and maritime scenes. Van de Velde II was the son of Willem van de Velde I, also a prominent marine artist, and he worked closely with his father before establishing his own reputation. His work gained significant recognition, leading to his appointment as a court painter to King Charles II of England. Van de Velde II's detailed and atmospheric depictions of ships and seascapes influenced subsequent generations of marine artists. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which remains highly regarded in art history.