The Home Fleet Saluting the State Barge, Jan van de Cappelle, 1650
A row of ships lies at anchor. Two yachts fire a salute for the functionaries rowing by in a state barge. The water’s smooth, mirror-like surface reflects the vessel and its passengers. Van de Cappelle superbly captured the grandeur unfolding on the water, with ships as far as the eye can see rendered in perspective, under an imposing cloudy sky.