How do Thomas Gainsborough’s seascapes connect to the Dutch seascape tradition?

During the 1780s, Thomas Gainsborough produced a series of sea pieces that incorporated a new level of realism, specifically harking back to the Dutch seascape tradition.1

This connection reflects the historical influence of Dutch marine painting, which had established a standard for atmospheric unity and realistic maritime depiction during the 17th century through artists such as Jan van Goyen and Simon de Vlieger. By drawing upon this tradition, Gainsborough moved away from his more idealized, Arcadian landscapes toward a more direct and observant approach to nature in his final years.21