WILLEM VAN DE VELDE – A SMALL DUTCH VESSEL CLOSE-HAULED IN A STRONG BREEZE

Attractive framed ceramic plaque reproduction of Willem van de Velde the Younger’s maritime painting A Small Dutch Vessel close-hauled in a Strong Breeze, after the original in the National Gallery, London.

The image is presented on a smooth, hard ceramic surface, cold to the touch and without glass or Perspex. Fine crazing is visible across parts of the surface, contributing to the aged character of the piece.

QUALITY GILT WOODEN FRAME

The ceramic plaque is housed in a substantial quality moulded wooden gilt frame, approximately 3 cm deep. This is not a simple flat surround: the frame is built up through multiple stepped and angled mouldings, giving it considerable depth and presence.

Immediately surrounding the image is a decorative beaded inner border, with further moulded sections stepping outward towards the main frame edge. The gilt gold finish sits over a reddish-brown ground, which is visible in places where the surface has naturally rubbed or worn with age.

The frame is a significant part of the appeal of the piece in its own right, with a traditional, well-made appearance and considerably more visual interest than a basic modern frame.

The reverse retains a stiff backing board, together with the original identification label naming the artist, title and National Gallery, and a Castle Crafts / Eduardo Alessandro Studios, 30 Gray Street, Broughty Ferry label.

Dating to approximately c.1982.

Overall size: approximately 36 cm high × 41 cm wide × 3 cm deep.

Condition

Very presentable overall. Fine crazing is visible to the ceramic surface. The frame shows some age-related rubbing, marks and local losses to the gilt finish, with the reddish-brown ground beneath visible in places. These areas are shown in the photographs and definitely add to the aged appearance rather than detracting significantly from the overall display.

A handsome traditional maritime picture with a particularly attractive and substantial gilt wooden frame, well suited to a study, office, coastal interior, pub, hotel or nautical collection.