Sketch plan of the stern

This is one of ten sketch plans of a small Dutch-type bezan yacht which the Younger was designing for himself. They are identified by the coast of arms, a similar arms surrounded by the initials 'W. V. V J' being found in the form of a seal impressed on the stretcher of a painting formerly in the Ingram Collection, (this may refer to BHC0901). The date of the drawings in uncertain; the style might be as late as 1700 and the apparently English inscription 'op sij dun [? upside-down]' on PAF6571 also suggests a late date. PAF6562 is on paper the van de Veldes used in 1665, the form of the signature is quite as early as this and on this drawing there is the suggestion of a Dutch flag. This drawing and PAF6570, however, are on paper used in 1675. It is possible that van de Velde planned originally to build a yacht while he was with the Dutch and he revived his scheme when he came to England. It is unlikely that she was ever built as designed because she cannot be recognized in any paintings and drawings. This drawing shows a stern with three arched windows with cherubs above the centre mullions, and on the oval tafferel is van de Velde's arms with lion supporters. On the left and right are four sketches of detail of the mullions and arches formed of dolphins and cherubs. The inscription 'dit naerd buijck dun [this thin at the bend]' refers to the narrow space between the cherubs' wings where they meet over the centre window. 'Dit wigh dogh eeven welgesnede [? this heavier but well cut too]' refers probably to an arch on the quarter. 'Schulpe al seen vallent light [a shell as a falling light]' refers probably to an arch on the quarter which had a small window that opened downward.
Willem van de Velde, the Younger

Original size: 293 mm x 452 mm