Calm

Cappelle’s compositions gain strength and monumentality by the union of tectonic and dynamic features, and are classic in their perfection. He calms the agitated seas painted by Porcellis and young Simon de Vlieger. Few of Cappelle’s marines are sea paintings in the strict sense of the word: most of them represent the mouths of wide rivers or quiet inner harbours, where group of ships parade or lie anchor in mirror-smooth waters.