A Royal Visit to the Fleet in the Thames Estuary, 1672 (Custom Print)

A Royal Visit to the Fleet in the Thames Estuary, 1672 by Willem van de Velde the Younger, begun about 1674, probably finished in 1694, oil on canvas.
One of the most ambitious paintings ever attempted by van de Velde the Younger, this monumental canvas was almost certainly begun in the studio here in the Queen's House. Although it never passed into the Royal Collection, Charles II or his brother James, Duke of York, most likely commissioned it to commemorate one of James's last engagements as Lord High Admiral. The artist put finishing touches to the painting before its sale several decades later. The scene revolves around Charles II, who has just boarded the large flagship (a royal standard flies to indicate his presence) for a meeting with his brother James, Duke of York and Lord High Admiral. Meanwhile a man on the royal yacht Cleveland (centre left) lowers another royal standard, indicating that the King has just disembarked. The low viewpoint invites us to imagine ourselves present on the choppy water, witnesses to this historic scene. Approaching storm clouds perhaps suggest the end of James's term as Lord High Admiral. The painting and its remarkable (perhaps original) frame have been specially conserved. After surface-cleaning and consolidation of paint layers, conservators removed discoloured varnish and overpaint to reveal the bright and detailed paintwork below. 
Our Custom Prints and frames are all handmade to the highest standards. As each Custom Print and frame is made to your required specification, they take a little longer to prepare. Custom Prints are printed on sustainable, matt 250gsm conservation digital paper. Unframed prints are carefully rolled with acid free tissue paper inside a sturdy cardboard tube. Frames are made in the UK from sustainably-sourced woods.Custom Prints (those which are customised by choosing a size and frame) are made to order and therefore take a little longer than our standard fulfilment times. 
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