DISCOVERART

Franz Huys

Four-Master and Two Three-Masters Anchored near a Fortified Island with a Lighthouse, from The Sailing Vessels

c. 1560–62, published 1665
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
22.2 × 28.8 cm (8.7 × 11.3 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The impressive detail and accuracy of the ships represented in this engraving suggest that Bruegel probably made studies of vessels in the Antwerp harbor. He carefully renders the intricacy of rigging, the geometry of masts, and curved hulls. Bruegel’s interest in such vessels belonged to a wider fascination among Antwerp citizens with the shipping trade and naval power that had become so central to the city’s booming economy. Residents of this maritime hub took great pride in the engineering of its ships and the expertise of its sailors and navigators.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Franz Huys

Master John Blockhead (the Lute Maker)Master John Blockhead (the Lute Maker)Armed Four-Master Sailing Towards a Port, from The Sailing VesselsArmed Four-Master Sailing Towards a Port, from The Sailing V

More like this

Four-master and Two Three-masters Anchored near a Fortified Island, from "The Sailing Vessels"Frans Huys|Pieter Bruegel the Elder|Hieronymus Cock — Four-mFour-Master (Left) and Two Three-Masters Anchored near a Fortified Island with a Lighthouse from The Sailing VesselsPieter Bruegel the Elder|Frans Huys|Hieronymus Cock — Four-MArmed Three-Master Anchored Near a City from The Sailing VesselsPieter Bruegel the Elder|Frans Huys|Hieronymus Cock — Armed Armed Four-Master Putting Out to Sea from The Sailing VesselsPieter Bruegel the Elder|Frans Huys|Hieronymus Cock — Armed Harbor with a Large TowerClaude Lorrain — Harbor with a Large TowerFour Sailing Vessels near a BreakwaterReinier Nooms, called Zeeman — Four Sailing Vessels near a BThree Caravels in a Rising Squall with Arion on a Dolphin from "The Sailing Vessels"Frans Huys|Pieter Bruegel the Elder|Hieronymus Cock — Three Three Moored Sailing Vessels, from Thirteen Naval ScenesReinier Nooms, called Zeeman — Three Moored Sailing Vessels,Four Sailing Vessels in a Breakwater, from Thirteen Naval ScenesReinier Nooms, called Zeeman — Four Sailing Vessels in a BreSailing Vessels: Armed Four-Master Putting Out to SeaPieter Bruegel (Netherlandish, c. 1525/30–1569) — Sailing VeNaval BattleReinier Nooms, called Zeeman — Naval BattleAfter the BattleReinier Nooms, called Zeeman — After the Battle