Portrait of the 'Hilversum', c.1655 (graphite)

Creator: Willem van de Velde, the Elder The drawing is an 'offset' (a process similar to tracing) from another drawing, perhaps from PAH3827 the 'Jaarsveld', which has then been completely worked up. The 'Hilversum', 62 guns, was probably built in 1655 in Amsterdam when this drawing may have been made. On the tafferel (the upper part of the stern) is a house with a causeway leading up to it. This is a rare view of the manor house of Hilversum which was destroyed by fire in the 18th century, after which the ship was named. Above are the arms of Amsterdam. Below, on the counter (the overhanging part of the stern immediately above the water) there are two shields: one on the left with a lion rampant, the one on the right with crossed anchors for the Admiralty of Amsterdam. Above, on the upper counter, there is a row of seven portrait busts.