The Caulking of Ships at the Bothuisje on Het IJ in Amsterdam, by Reinier Zeeman, 1660 - 1668
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The Caulking of Ships at the Bothuisje on Het IJ in Amsterdam

Also titled Het kalefateren van schepen bij de Hannekesboom op het IJ te Amsterdam

Reinier Zeeman (1623–1664)

1660 - 1668

Medium
canvas, oil paint (paint)
Classification
painting
Dimensions
depth 7 cm
Museum
Rijksmuseum
Rights
Public Domain Mark, as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Little Ones profiles and older: it shows gentle subjects for the very young. How works are placed

View at the Rijksmuseum

About this work

Caulking the ships on the IJ at Amsterdam by Reinier Nooms, mid 17th century. Wooden sailing ships needed constant maintenance. They had to be examined after every voyage. To close gaps in the ship's outer planking with pitch and old rope(caulking), the vessel was careened on to its side bringing the hull out of water. Big ships only came into the harbour if they were due for repairs or to be laid up. Otherwise, they would remain out in the open water: in front of the line of posts (left) that protected the city and harbour from the IJ. The cargo was transported to and from the quay in smaller boats.