Shipwreck off a Rocky Coast

Wijnand Nuijen (1813–1839), oil on canvas, 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

Discover more

more by Wijnand Nuijen

Schepen bij laag water in een Franse haven

Wijnand Nuijen, 1836

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

Wijnand Nuijen, 1835

River Landscape with Ruin

Wijnand Nuijen, 1835

Landschap met boerderijen en vee

Wijnand Nuijen, 1823 - 1839

Jongen met een pijp

Wijnand Nuijen (mentioned on object), 1823 - 1839

Meisje bij poort

Johannes Christiaan d' Arnaud Gerkens (mentioned on object), after design by Wijnand Nuijen (mentioned on object), 1822 - 1845

Identification

Object type
Object number
SK-A-4644
Inscriptions / marks
signature: ‘W.J.J. Nuijen Bz. f.’
Catalogue reference
'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.

Creation

Creation
painter: Wijnand Nuijen
Dating
c. 1837
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Material and technique

Material
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.

Persistent URL

To refer to this object, please use the following persistent URL:
https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200107810