Nautical
Rool, A. I.
Artist
Yacht Owned by the Bourgermasters of Amsterdam
Description
Pen and ink drawing of a two-masted fore-and-aft rigged yacht owned by the Burgomasters of Amsterdam. The vessel has two gaff rigged sailes. The fore is stepped just aft of stem. The Yacht bears the coat of arms of Amsterdam and there are various scenes taking place among the Burgomasters on board. A man stands on the bow blowing a horn. The horn has a banner with the artists signature. To the right is a bow-on view of a square-rigged ship with cannon, appearing to be at anchor. To the left is a three quarter view of a working vessel with fore and aft sails.
Arthur Clark refers to this drawing on p. 15 of his History of Yachting: "The most ancient yacht of which diligent and careful research has been able to discover a portrait, is one that was owned by the burgomasters of Amsterdam about the year 1600. The original picture is executed by Rool, in India ink on parchment. Worn by age, it nevertheless gives the details of the hull and rig with the fidelity and minuteness for which the artists of Holland are justly famous. This yacht was probably used by the burgomasters in their various official duties afloat, to their great comfort and enjoyment: a portrait is also given of the yacht owned by Maurice of Nassau, the younger son of William the Silent, who died at The Hague on April 23, 1625."
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