Shipwreck off a Rocky Coast

Wijnand Nuijen, c. 1837

This painting is a highlight of Dutch Romanticism. It represents the insignificance of man in the face of nature. During a storm, a three-master has struck a rock and foundered. The crew desperately combs the beach in search of survivors. Rays of sun pierce through the gloomy sky and afford a view of the overwhelming sheer cliffs, which make the people seem even smaller.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-4644
  • Dimensionsheight 154 cm x width 206 cm
  • Physical characteristicsoil on canvas

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Schepen bij laag water in een Franse haven

Wijnand Nuijen, 1836

Schepen bij laag water in een Franse haven

Fishing Boats on the Beach with Fishermen and Women Sorting the Catch

Wijnand Nuijen, 1835

Fishing Boats on the Beach with Fishermen and Women Sorting the Catch

River Landscape with Ruin

Wijnand Nuijen, 1835

River Landscape with Ruin

Landschap met boerderijen en vee

Wijnand Nuijen, 1823 - 1839

Landschap met boerderijen en vee

Monnik in een kloosterhof

Wijnand Nuijen (mentioned on object), 1831

Monnik in een kloosterhof

Stilleven met gitaar

Wijnand Nuijen (mentioned on object), 1823 - 1839

Stilleven met gitaar

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Shipwreck off a Rocky Coast

  • Object type

  • Object number

    SK-A-4644

  • Description

    Schipbreuk op een rotsachtige kust. Rechts ligt het gestrande schip in de branding. Drenkelingen worden op het strand getrokken. Links warmen figuren zich rond een vuur, op de voorgrond ligt aangespoelde waar.

  • Inscriptions / marks

    signature: ‘W.J.J. Nuijen Bz. f.’

Creation

  • Creation

    painter: Wijnand Nuijen

  • Dating

    c. 1837

  • Search further with

Material and technique

  • Physical description

    oil on canvas

  • Dimensions

    height 154 cm x width 206 cm

This work is about

  • Subject

Acquisition and rights

  • Acquisition

    purchase 1974

  • Copyright

    Public domain

  • Provenance

    Inv;…; sale, Oscar Nottebohm (1865-1935, Antwerp), Brussels (Palais des Beaux-Arts, auction house not known), 17 December 1957, no. 150, with pendant, no. 151, SK-A-4645; the dealer P.A. Scheen, 1958;{London 1959, p. 185, no. 266; note RMA.}….; collection Dr D.R. Dooyes, ’s Graveland, 1959;{London 1959, p. 185, no. 266.} his sale, Amsterdam (Mak van Waay), 18 February 1974 sqq., no. 50, fl. 80,000, with pendant, no. 51, fl. 85,000, to Slavenburg, Oyens and Van Eeghen NV, on request of the museum;{Copy RMA, note RMA.} from whom on loan to the museum, with obligation to purchase, 1975; from Slavenburg, Oyens and Van Eeghen NV, fl.214,786.36, with SK-A-4645, to the museum, 1975

  • Remarks

    Please note that this provenance was formulated with a special focus on provenance research for the years 1933-45 and could therefore be incomplete. There may be more (mostly earlier) provenance information known in the museum. In case this item has an uncertain or incomplete provenance for the years 1933-45, the Rijksmuseum welcomes information and assistance in the investigation and clarification of the provenance of all works during that era.

Documentation

  • 'Gedachten over den tegenwoordigen toestand der Beeldende Kunsten in ons Vaderland, bij het zien der Rotterdamsche tentoonstelling van kunstwerken in 1834', Algemene Konst- en Letterbode 2 (1834), p. 172.

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