Artwork

View of the City of Arnhem

View of the City of Arnhem, by Unknown, 1646
View of the City of Arnhem, by Unknown, 1646

View of the City of Arnhem is a photography by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1646 by the artist known as 30498_person, this cityscape depicts the Dutch town of Arnhem as seen from a riverbank.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1646 by the artist known as 30498_person, this cityscape depicts the Dutch town of Arnhem as seen from a riverbank. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents a broad view of the urban environment framed by water and sky.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a tranquil river populated by modest boats carrying passengers and livestock. Across the water, the city unfolds with prominent church spires and a row of smaller structures lining the shore, suggesting a bustling yet orderly community set within a calm natural setting.

Technique & Style

Rendered in muted, soft tones, the painting balances the modest scale of the vessels against the expansive cityscape, creating a harmonious visual equilibrium. The sky is rendered with diffuse clouds pierced by occasional shafts of light, while trees along the bank add depth and a sense of quiet activity.

History & Provenance

Since its execution in the mid‑17th century, the work has remained in institutional care, eventually entering the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 30498_person and its date of 1646 are documented in the museum’s acquisition records.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known