File:Dutch Shipping in an Estuary RMG BHC0932.tiff

A varied group of river craft is shown in a wide estuary. A Dutch States yacht on the right is shown with a reflection of the sails in the water. A larger merchant ship flies the Dutch flag in the background on the right. In the centre of the picture a Dutch smalschip broadside, in starboard, is shown at anchor with its leeboard visible. Behind it to the left is another river craft with sails unfurled and the sails of another boat behind. In the distance the further bank is visible with a skyline of buildings including a church, windmills and trees. In the foreground to the right a small river craft is shown with a man and a woman sitting under a canopy. The presence of wine flagons indicates that they have anchored to take refreshment. A third figure with his back to the viewer, stands on the open part of the boat smoking a pipe and surveying the estuary. On the foreshore in the foreground on the left a young boy holds out a stick to throw for the dog at his heels. On the far left is a group of seven adults and a child. One woman in a yellow dress is seated on the ground with her back to the viewer talking to the child. A man with a black hat and brown jacket sits talking to the group as he smokes a pipe. To the left is a man playing a fiddle as he looks towards two couples. A woman in a red spotted dress and headdress and white apron sits on another man's lap. The man gestures towards another couple to the left who are sitting on the ground; the man holds the woman in his arms and gestures towards her mouth. A flagon and a glass of red wine can be seen between the two women sitting on the ground.

Storck's most popular paintings are views of harbour cities and river scenes. Most of these topographical views are of Dutch subjects, often depicting recreational and ceremonial aspects of shipping, with an emphasis on colourful pleasure yachts occupied by passengers in festive dress. The artist trained and worked with his father and became a member of the Guild of St Luke in Amsterdam. His river and coastal scenes were influenced by Ludolf Backhuysen and Willem van de Velde the Younger. He showed considerable accuracy in depicting ships' rigging and technical details. He also concentrated on depictions of both spectators and passengers, showing great skill in the depiction of the human figure, through characterization and attention to costume and detail. The painting is signed 'A Storck' on the plank of wood lower left.