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.
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Please check the size and frame options carefully so that you are happy, as once ordered we will be unable to make changes.
Our custom prints and frames are all handmade to the highest standards.
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 are made to order and therefore take a little longer than our standard fulfilment times. Please read our Delivery and returns page for our latest information about UK and international shipping.
Custom prints cannot be sent via our FedEx delivery service option.
Member and subscriber discounts do not apply to custom prints.
Frequently asked questions
Our standard processing and fulfillment time is 1-2 working days from the time you placed your order, excluding Custom Prints, online-only telescopes and personalised clothing.
All UK orders (excluding personalised clothing) are sent using a tracked service.
Custom Prints (those which are customised by choosing a size and frame) and personalised clothing take a little longer to fulfill due to being made to order.
Please see our Delivery and returns page for more information and last order dates.
Online-only telescopes are shipped directly from Celestron.
FREE Standard UK delivery for all orders over £50 (Royal Mail)
For all other orders, we offer Standard UK delivery for £4.95 per order (Royal Mail).
Delivery rate varies by country and value of order, and starts from as little as £6.95.
Please allow 5-7 working days for standard orders to be dispatched.
Custom Prints (those which are customised by choosing a size and frame) and personalised clothing take a little longer to fulfill due to being made to order. Please see our recommended last order dates for these items on our Delivery and returns page.
We send using a Royal Mail/FedEx tracked delivery service (excluding personalised products). Please allow 7-10 working days to receive after we have dispatched.
Please see our Delivery and returns page for all information.
For all returns, please contact us as soon as possible using the contact form, expressing your wish to return. Please wait for confirmation from one of our team before returning.
Custom Prints (those which are customised by choosing a size and frame) and personalised clothing are made to order and therefore we are unable to offer a refund or exchange, unless they are faulty.
Please see our Delivery and returns page for full information.
