Who painted View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht?

View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht was painted by Jan van der Heyden in 1665.

Where can I see View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht?

View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht is held by Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

What movement is View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht?

View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht?

Museum-quality prints of View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht

Jan van der Heyden , 1665

View of the Herengracht, Amsterdam, from the Leliegracht is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van der Heyden. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jan van der Heyden’s 1665 oil painting captures a segment of Amsterdam’s Herengracht canal as seen from the adjoining Leliegracht. The composition presents a tranquil waterway bordered by brick façades, leafy trees, and a modest arched bridge where a few pedestrians cross. A clear sky with soft clouds illuminates the scene, highlighting the red tiled roofs and verdant foliage.

Subject & Meaning

The work records a typical 17th‑century Dutch urban landscape, emphasizing the orderly canal system that defined Amsterdam’s growth. By focusing on everyday activity—a bridge, strolling figures, and the calm water—the painting reflects the period’s interest in civic pride and the harmonious integration of architecture and nature.

Technique & Style

Van der Heyden employs a refined handling of light, allowing the sunlit sky to cast a warm glow over the rooftops and trees. His palette balances muted reds with vivid greens, achieved through layered glazing that creates depth in both sky and water. The precise rendering of brickwork and foliage exemplifies his meticulous, almost documentary approach to cityscapes.

History & Provenance

Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the painting entered the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s collection in the 20th century, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader effort to represent European Baroque landscape painting within its holdings.