The Calm, by Van de Capelle

Acquisition of painting 'The Calm' by Jan van de Capelle (1626 - 1679), considered to be one of the most important Dutch paintings in the country. The picture portrays sailing ships on a calm sea; to the far right is a fortified town. Particularly remarkable are the subtle gradations of light and tone which evoke the moist and limpid atmosphere, and the depiction of the reflections on the sea and of the overhanging clouds.