| There is still disagreement over Dubbels's place in the history of Dutch painting. He was certainly a gifted painter-particularly of sea subjects, often in the manner of Simon de Vlieger and Jan van de Cappelle-but Dubbels's role is not yet clear. Some regard him as a talented follower, while others credit him with some of the innovations of subject, treatment of atmosphere, and colonstic development associated with marine subjects in the 1650s and 1660s. Dubbels's training is unknown. He was recorded in Amsterdam in 1641, 1651, 1656-57, and 1663. His early works reflect the gray tonalities of de Vlieger, who was active in Amsterdam from 1638. Houbraken* states that Dubbels was Ludolf Bakhuysen's teacher around 1650. In 1663 Dubbels is recorded as a shopkeeper, and in 1665 he declared bankruptcy. His development is difficult to establish. Few works are signed. While his early association with de Vlieger's work is undisputed, his later development is more problematic In his later works Dubbels seems to have employed a more colorful palette, perhaps influenced by Willem van de Velde the Younger* His work is sometimes so close to Jan van de Cappelle that their paintings are confused with each other. Today Dubbels is regarded as one of Amsterdam's leading marine painters whose interest in open, natural effects and simplicity of subject matter is notable. In particular, his beaches, with their deserted docks and the effects of storms still evident, strike a compelling note of isolation and vulnerability that anticipates modern masters such as Edward Hopper. |
