Ships in Distress

'Ships in Distress in a Heavy Storm' was not intended as a depiction of a historical event. Its subject is the power of natural forces. The waves are swept up by the wind, endangering the ships as they roll about on the billowing sea. Perhaps these vessels will never reach port. The dramatic contrast of dark and light and the diagonal lines of the listing ships produce a compelling composition on the large canvas. It was said of Ludolf Bakhuysen that he often sailed out when a storm was brewing, to observe how the weather affected the sea and the sky.