HMS Saint Andrew at sea in a moderate breeze.

Repro ID: BHC3618

Description: The 'St Andrew' was built at Woolwich by Christopher Pett in 1670 and was later renamed the 'Royal Anne' after rebuilding in 1704. She carried Sir John Kempthorne's blue flag at the Battle of Texel in 1673. The artist was the son of Willem van de Velde the Elder. He worked in his father's studio in Amsterdam and developed the skill of carefully drawn ships in tranquil settings. He changed his subject matter, however when he came with his father to England, in 1672 by working on royal yachts, men-of-war and storm scenes. From 1672 the painting of naval battles became a priority but unlike his father's they were not usually eyewitness accounts. After his father's death in 1794 he became an official marine painter and had to be present at significant maritime events. The painting was probably made the year after the artist came to England and several versions of it were made.

Creator: Willem van de Velde, the Younger

Date: c.1673

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London