Artwork

View of the River Rhine

View of the River Rhine, by Jan van Aken, ink, 1638
View of the River Rhine, by Jan van Aken, ink, 1638

View of the River Rhine is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jan van Aken. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

View of the River Rhine is an etching by Jan van Aken, created in 1638. It is a print depicting a serene riverside scene.

Subject & Meaning

The etching shows a river with boats carrying people and goods, a rocky shoreline with trees, and two figures unloading a small boat. The scene conveys a sense of quiet activity by the water.

Technique & Style

The artist achieved a high level of detail using fine lines, capturing ripples in the water and folds in the sails. The etching technique involves pressing ink into grooves in a metal plate to create the printed image.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Aken

Artist

Jan van Aken

Jan van Aken (1614–1661) was a Dutch artist, born in Kampen.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.