Artwork

Mouth of the Meuse (Dordrecht)

Mouth of the Meuse  (Dordrecht), by Jan van Goyen, oil, 1644
Mouth of the Meuse  (Dordrecht), by Jan van Goyen, oil, 1644

Mouth of the Meuse (Dordrecht) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Goyen. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Western Art.

About this work

Overview

Mouth of the Meuse (Dordrecht) is a 1644 oil painting by Jan van Goyen, a Dutch landscape painter known for his diverse subjects and prolific output.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene river scene at Dordrecht, featuring boats, fishermen, and a cityscape in the background. The tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by the activity of men working with a fishing net.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by a muted color palette dominated by browns, grays, and blues, and loose, expressive brushstrokes that convey a sense of movement. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates depth and dimensionality.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Goyen

Artist

Jan van Goyen

Jan Josephszoon van Goyen (Dutch pronunciation: ; 13 January 1596 – 27 April 1656) was a Dutch landscape painter.