File:Shipping off Amsterdam RMG BHC1764.tiff

A view of shipping at Amsterdam on the River Y which was the waterfront and harbour of Amsterdam leading into the Zuider Zee. A pavilion, probably at the end of a jetty, is shown in the foreground on the right with wooden steps leading up to it. A group of people are assembled on the platform. Below are two small river craft positioned on the water. A number of fishing pots are both in the boats and in the water. Behind, a large merchant ship fires a salute and there are figures shown climbing the rigging. The tower of a church is visible in the far distance, with its reflection in the water. In the foreground to the left of centre several more river craft of various sizes are at anchor. In the foreground on the left an affluent couple is rowed in a boat by two men. A dog with a stick in its mouth is placed in the bows looking back at the couple. A personal pennant flies from the stern of the small boat. This couple may have commissioned the painting from the artist and may be connected with the large merchantman, which appears unfinished by the artist.

Stork trained and worked with his father and became a member of the Guild of St Luke in Amsterdam. His river and coastal scenes were influenced by Ludolf Backhuysen, Willem van de Velde the Younger and Jan Abrahamsz Beerstraten. He showed considerable accuracy in depicting ships' rigging and technical details, and his Dutch harbour and river views often depict the recreational and ceremonial aspects of shipping. In particular he concentrated on showing pleasure yachts and ceremonial gatherings of ships. He also concentrated on depictions of both spectators and passengers. In such work he showed great skill depicting the human figure, through characterization and attention to costume and detail.