With the development of linear perspective art in the early 15th century, art became more sophisticated. This development coincided with the dawn of the age of discovery. In this time period, many pantings depicted vast landscape scenes. Dutch sailors were required to learn basic art skills, so that they could accurately depict newly discovered lands overseas.
In the sixteenth century, naval warfare became more common. The demand for art depicting naval scenes increased accordingly. Great naval battles were depicted in paintings including Dutch Warships in Trouble off Gibraltar (Ludolf Bakhuizen, 1690), and The Shipwreck (Claude Joseph Vernet, 1772). In addition to traditional art, water has been used in structures and sculptures in the Renaissance era, notably in the Alhambra palace in Spain. Alhambra became the Royal Court for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain in 1492. The palace contains several courtyards and fountains, including the Fountain of the Lions. The Fountain of the Lions depicted three lions, representing strength, power, and sovereignty. Every hour, one lion produces a stream of water from its mouth into the fountain. |
Left: The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Rembranndt Van Rijn, 1633
Right: Landscape with the Fall of Icarus, Pieter Bruegel, c. 1558 |