R. Nooms - Uytersche schiet-schuyten
Kunstenaar: Reinier Nooms, alias Zeeman (1623 - 1664)
Titel: Het veer van de Uytersche schiet-schuyten
Jaar: ca. 1650
Techniek: Ets
Handtekening: Signed and numbered 5 in the plate
Afbeeldingsgrootte: 25,5 x 15 cm
Fine early impression of the 2nd state, some defects to the paper, Two brown stains (upper edge and right edge), old repaired tear at lower left, some surface dirt and printing grain. Small tear at left edge. With old coll. stamp on verso.
The painter and etcher Reinier Nooms, called Zeeman (c. 1623-1667) was unquestionably one of the leading etchers of seascapes in seventeenth-century Holland. His spirited, yet delicate handling of the etching needle displays a freedom of style that was rarely equalled before the nineteenth century. In addition to his marines, Zeeman was also reputed for his remarkable topographical series, the best-known of which are his views of Amsterdam and Paris that are still highly acclaimed for their exceptional combination of a keen eye for topographical details and artistic skill.
Regarding the frequent depiction of Mediterranean coasts in prints and paintings, as well as the fact that Nooms generally signed with his nickname Zeeman (sailor), he is supposed to have travelled a great deal as a crewmember on Dutch merchant-ships or men-of-war. Nooms most probably accompanied Admiral Michiel de Ruyter on his mission to the Barbary coast from 1661 to 1663, during which he produced brilliantly drawn city views.