Human beings have always been fascinated by the sea and have been navigating the seas, whether for trade or discovery, since the beginning of civilization. As a result, boats and the sea have been depicted from an early age in the visual arts. This volume offers numerous high-quality illustrations that trace the development of maritime art. From the beginnings as a backdrop to other themes, to the time when the Dutch were unrivalled masters of the seas, from the events on the sea depicted by the English, to the great studies of nature of the Impressionists.