A ship dismasted in a gale

Four ships struggle in a stormy sea in this dramatic pen and wash drawing, made towards the end of the artist’s life. The most visible vessel, to the left of centre, is lifted by a wave as it lies-to having lost its mainmast. A few marks on the foremast indicate the ship’s crew as they furl the sail in an effort to avoid further damage.

The drawing is inscribed in the lower left: ‘W.V.V J 1705’.