Ludolf Backhuysen

Ludolf Backhuysen (1630 - 1708) was a German-born Dutch painter, draughtsman, calligrapher and printmaker. He was the leading Dutch painter of maritime subjects after Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger left for England in 1672. He also painted portraits of his family and circle of friends. He was an ardent student of nature, and frequently exposed himself on the sea in an open boat in order to study the effects of storms.