Masters of the Sea – Marine Painting at Kunsthandel P. de Boer
Marine, A harbour scene Reinier Nooms called Zeeman
Marine paintings the Legacy of the Collectie P. en N. de Boer
A Journey Across the Waves of Dutch Art
From the rolling mists of the North Sea to the golden light reflecting off Dutch harbors, marine painting has long stood as one of the most evocative and technically brilliant genres in the history of Dutch art. At Kunsthandel P. de Boer, we proudly present a curated tribute to the rich tradition of marine painting, drawn from the historic Collectie P. en N. de Boer and our current holdings of celebrated Dutch Masters.
This exhibition brings together the foundational works of early marine specialists such as Simon de Vlieger, Hendrik Dubbels, and Cornelis Vroom, and sets them in conversation with later masterpieces by Willem van de Velde the Elder, his son Willem van de Velde the Younger, and the atmospheric genius Jan Porcellis. Adding a refined contrast, we also feature works by Paulus Bril, and
Pioneers of the Dutch Marine Tradition
The exhibition opens with the lyrical seascapes of Simon de Vlieger, whose work marks a turning point in 17th-century maritime painting. Known for his masterful skies and subtle depiction of naval architecture, De Vlieger brought an elegance and realism that set the standard for generations to come.
Hendrik Dubbels, a contemporary and occasional collaborator, deepened this legacy with dynamic compositions and sensitive treatment of changing light. His storm-tossed vessels and quiet estuaries reflect the dual nature of the sea: sublime and threatening, constant yet ever in motion.
In Cornelis Vroom, son of the great marine painter Hendrick Vroom, we find a fascinating blend of landscape and seascape. His coastlines, animated by ships and subtle weather, embody a uniquely Dutch sensibility calm, observational, yet charged with the quiet energy of nature.
The Legacy of P. & N. de Boer Collection
Integral to this exhibition is the Collectie P. en N. de Boer, one of the Netherlands’ most significant private collections of Old Master paintings. With an eye for technical brilliance and historical significance, this collection preserves the finest examples of 17th-century marine art and continues to influence collectors and scholars worldwide.
Kunsthandel P. de Boer has long served as a guardian and presenter of this collection, and its legacy is deeply woven into the gallery’s identity on the Herengracht in Amsterdam.
Visit us
Kunsthandel P. de Boer invites you to explore this exceptional collection of marine paintings a tribute to the art, science, and poetry of the sea. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, historian, or curious visitor, this exhibition offers a powerful journey across centuries of craftsmanship and cultural identity, anchored in the enduring legacy of Dutch and Flemish masters.