Lot 1537 Dα

The dramatic depictions of natural phenomena with which Andreas Achenbach achieved notoriety early in his career were gradually replaced by calmer depictions of the harbours and beaches of Holland and Belgium in the late 1840s. This group of works, to which the present fine example of 1862 belongs, represent less dramatic scenes in a more naturalistic style but with a strong emphasis on atmosphere.
The most prominent features of this large format piece are the magnificent cloud formations, the masterfully painted reflections on the ocean and the scenically billowing sails of the two landing ships. Another intriguing motif in this work is the elegantly dressed gentleman with a melon and walking stick standing on the beach amidst the busy fishermen. The artist probably intended this as a portrait, and the figure is traditionally alleged to be Andreas' equally successful brother Oswald Achenbach, who was also famed for his landscape paintings.