Born 1631; died 1709. This eminent master was a native of Embden. The piece before us is a powerful specimen of his pencil. The chiaroscuro is grand and effective, while the sombre depth of the ocean gives a charm of power to the scene. It was his custom, whenever he could procure resolute mariners, to go out to sea in a storm, in order to store his mind with grand images, and to delight in the majesty of scenes that would fill a weak heart with terror. He was a master of effect, and we are struck with admiration at the truth of the perspective in the distance of the vessels. His works are easily distinguished by the observant eye, from the freedom and neatness of touch: from the clearness and natural agitation or quiescence of the water; from a peculiar tint in his clouds and skies; and also from the exact proportion of his ships, and the gracefulness of their position. No painter was ever more honoured by the visits of kings and princes than Backhuysen. The King of Prussia was one of the number, and the czar Peter the Great took delight to see him paint, and often endeavoured to draw after vessels which he had designed. [P. 7.]
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Paintings, by the Ancient Masters, including Specimens of the First Class, by the Italian, Venetian, Spanish, Flemish, Dutch, French, and English Schools, open at the American Academy, Barclay Street. Admittance (catalogues included) $.50. Season Tickets $1.00. Family Ticket for the season, admitting four, $5.00. New-York: Printed by W. Mitchell, 265 Bowery. 1832.
