A Boeier and a Galliot

Reinier Nooms, called Zeeman

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a maritime scene featuring two sailing ships on a choppy sea. The horizon is at the top third of the composition, with wispy clouds in the sky. Brushstrokes indicate movement in the sails and waves. The color palette includes shades of gray and black. Two large ships are detailed with rigging and sails, and a smaller vessel is seen in the distance. Flags on the masts suggest wind filling the sails.