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Transformation of 'Slag bij Kijkduin'

Writer's picture: Paco RaphaelPaco Raphael

Updated: Jan 27

For the 2020 Amsterdam Museum Week, I was given the unique opportunity to collaborate with the National Maritime Museum to create a contemporary reinterpretation of Willem van de Velde’s iconic painting The Slag of Kijkduin (1673). The original work, depicting one of the most famous naval battles in Dutch history, has always fascinated me. The drama, the power of the ships, and the immense symbolism of the battle spoke to my imagination.



Original from Willem van de Velde 'Slag Bij Kijkduin' 1673.
Original from Willem van de Velde 'Slag Bij Kijkduin' 1673.

My aim was not to simply replicate the old masterpiece, but to bring it into a modern context. By using contemporary techniques and visual influences, I sought to capture the essence of the battle while adding a fresh dynamism. The result is a contemporary painting that preserves the historical significance of the Slag of Kijkduin, while simultaneously making it relevant to today’s audience.



Reinterpretation from Paco Raphael 2020.
Reinterpretation from Paco Raphael 2020.

The collaboration with the National Maritime Museum was especially meaningful for this project. The museum is a symbol of the rich maritime history of the Netherlands, making it the perfect setting to reinterpret this classical piece. My reinterpretation of Van de Velde’s painting is, for me, a way to show how art can evolve through time. The work reflects both the past and the present, demonstrating how history, even from centuries ago, can still influence the art we create today.





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