Ludolf Backhuysen was the leading painter of seascapes in Amsterdam during the last quarter of the 17^th century. His earliest biographer declared that he was "taught by nature" and reported that he often put to sea when a storm threatened in order observe the changing conditions of sky and water.

When the weather gods were at their least favorable was when he most loved to board a boat and sail to the mouth of the sea.
-Arnold Houbraken, 1718-21

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