Willem van de Velde II (Leiden 1633-1707 London)

Both studies show the raising of the anchors from the sea bed. In the lower study, the upper ring of the anchor is being hoisted onto the cathead – a beam which projects out beyond the end of the vessel. The name ‘cathead’ derives from the protrusion‘s traditional decoration with a lion’s face or other felids. The pointed arms (flukes) of the anchor are being lifted so that they can be secured with ropes to the side of the boat, near its upper edge (gunwale).


A comparable signed drawing showing the raising of anchors is in the Courtauld Institute of Art, London (Inv. D.1952.RW.1306).