An English Man-of-War before the wind and a close hauled hoeker, as a storm approaches

The greyish tones, impressive clouds and stormy atmosphere in the present lot are characteristic of Haarlem marine painting inspired by the work of Jan Porcellis (1584-1632). Among his followers Pieter Mulier was the most prominent, and it is to his style that the skilful depiction of ships, clouds and approaching storm comes very close.

See illustration