File:A French Galley and Dutch Men-of-War off a Port RMG BHC0824.tiff

A painting showing arrivals at an unidentified Mediterranean harbour. On the right is an arched gateway into the town with a bell on top of the arch and a circular turret on the left. Beyond it to the left is a major fortification built on a rocky point. A galley emerging from the left between the two indicates that a harbour lies hidden behind the town to the right

There are three principal ships shown on the centre and left of the painting. In the central foreground is a recently arrived galley, shown in stern view and slightly to port. Its red-painted oars are still extended oars and a gold awning covers the stern and its quarters for the captain, officers and distinguished guests. A blue flag with three gold fleurs-de-lys at the main, a similar pennant at the peak of the main lateen yard, and a carved crest on the stern-awning frame show it to be French. A ship's boat at the quayside has landed a distinguished person on the quay, probably from the galley. He holds his hat and is shaking hands with a man wearing a red cape. Sailors from his boat are unloading a barrel and one is standing up to blow his trumpet to announce their arrival. In the distance beyond the castle is another galley, which may be Spanish, with a red awning and a number of figures on board. In the middle distance, left, is a Dutch ships at anchor, flying the Dutch flag. Others approach in the distance, one firing a salute.

A range of other figures on the quay do not seem concerned with the boat's arrival, they are more preoccupied with their own pursuits. One woman with her back to the viewer holds a basket and faces another sitting by the gateway, selling wares from a basket. Other figures in the foreground stand by the edge of the jetty looking out towards the viewer. One figure stands towards the wall, relieving himself. The artist indicates that he has turned his back both on the viewer but also on the arriving dignitary and this may be intended as a commentary. Two men stand in the shallows catching shellfish. The bell rings to announce the arrival of the distinguished person.

The purpose of the commission is unclear. It may commemorate a particular event but is also one of a popular class of Netherlandish marine works showing arrivals and departures at ports. The combination of shipping and exotic appearance of the castle in the background suggest it may be intended to represent a Mediterranean harbour, albeit without direct knowledge of that area.

The artist was born and died in Utrecht and was one of the sons of Adam Willarts (1577-1664). He and his younger brother, Isaac, took up their father's profession and became marine painters. Abraham worked in Paris under Simon Vouet and then went into service of Prince Maurits in Holland. The painting is signed 'A Willarts' on the side of the quay.