Oil on wood
Presumably Netherlands, 19th century
Abraham Hulk Sr. (1813-1897) – Anglo-Dutch painter and draftsman
Signed lower right ‘A. Hulk f.’
Dimensions: 16 x 23 cm
Very good condition
A dynamic marine painting with two ships threatened by an approaching storm, which the painter animated with delicate lighting; small-format works by the marine painter Abraham Hulk fetch up to €45,000 at international auctions
Object is regular taxed. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

Abraham Hulk Sr. was an important marine painter of the 19th century, successful in the Netherlands as well as in England. The present oil painting reveals a seascape corresponding to Hulk’s typical style which was deeply inspired by traditional Dutch marine painting. The small-sized work shows a two-masted boat on a churning sea. The crew is taking down the sails as dark thunderclouds are gathering. In the right background the silhouette of a large steamer can be seen on the horizon. Hulk was a master of composition and thus he managed to capture the marine atmosphere in the most virtuoso manner. He animated the image with an atmospheric lighting, masterfully rendering the changing weather conditions at sea.



The painting is signed lower right ‘A. Hulk f.’ and is in very good condition considering its age. Inspection under UV light reveals retouchings to the darker areas of the sky. The size of the panel is 16 x 23 cm and the framed work measures 28 x 35 cm.



Abraham Hulk I (1813-1897)

Abraham Hulk was the head of a renowned family of artists, his brother and sons also being painters. He first studied under the portrait painter Augustus Daiwaille (1786-1850) and later at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam. Between 1833 and 1834 Hulk traveled to New York and Boston, where he exhibited his works. Back in the Netherlands he lived in Amsterdam for several years. In 1870 he returned to England where he showed his works at the Royal Academy in London. Hulk became well-known for his seascapes in the tradition of Dutch marine painting. During his lifetime his romantic paintings, which combined technical craftsmanship, attention to detail and a special sensitivity to nature, were highly sought after. Works by Abraham Hulk are presented in numerous international naval museums. (tfa)

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