Artwork

Fischerboote beim Abrüsten am Abend

Fischerboote beim Abrüsten am Abend, by Jan van Goyen, oil, 1636
Fischerboote beim Abrüsten am Abend, by Jan van Goyen, oil, 1636

Fischerboote beim Abrüsten am Abend is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Goyen. It dates from 1636 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Fischerboote beim Abrüsten am Abend is an oil painting created by Dutch landscape painter Jan van Goyen around 1636, characteristic of his prolific output during the Dutch Golden Age.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene riverside scene at dusk, with fishing boats scattered across the water, some occupied and others empty, set against a backdrop of fluffy clouds reflected in the calm river, evoking everyday Dutch landscapes and atmospheric conditions.

Technique & Style

Van Goyen employs masterful use of light and shadow to create depth, alongside thoughtful composition and color choices, which collectively immerse the viewer in the tranquil atmosphere of the river scene.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1636, the painting is now part of the Kunsthaus Zürich collection, reflecting van Goyen's diverse subject matter production, including over 1,200 paintings and 1,000 drawings throughout his career.

Context

This work aligns with van Goyen's focus on marine and river landscapes, contributing to the broader artistic trends of the Dutch Golden Age, which emphasized capturing the beauty of ordinary Dutch scenes.

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.

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