Artwork

Inland Waterway with Two Galliots at the Right

Inland Waterway with Two Galliots at the Right, by Nooms, called Zeeman, Reinier, ink, 1656
Inland Waterway with Two Galliots at the Right, by Nooms, called Zeeman, Reinier, ink, 1656

Inland Waterway with Two Galliots at the Right is an ink print by the Baroque artist Nooms, called Zeeman, Reinier. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Inland Waterway with Two Galliots at the Right is a mid-17th-century etching on laid paper by Dutch maritime artist Reinier Nooms, known as Zeeman. Created around 1656, it exemplifies his specialized depiction of nautical themes.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a serene inland waterway scene with two galliots moored on the right. The tranquil atmosphere is contrasted with hints of port activity, as people are shown on the shore and in small boats, with additional ships in the background.

Technique & Style

Nooms employed a nuanced tonal range to achieve depth and texture. The light, airy sky contrasts with the darker, reflective water, while fine details in the ships and background structures evoke a sense of a thriving port.

History & Provenance

This work is part of a series of refined etchings Nooms produced in the 1650s, which were widely referenced by contemporary artists. The specific provenance of this piece is not detailed here.

Context

As a maritime artist, Nooms' work reflects the Dutch Golden Age's strong maritime culture and trade dominance. His detailed etchings would have appealed to both artistic and navigational interests of the time.

Legacy

Nooms' etchings, including this piece, influenced other artists due to their precision and thematic focus. They remain significant for understanding 17th-century Dutch maritime art and its broader cultural context.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nooms, called Zeeman, Reinier

Artist

Nooms, called Zeeman, Reinier

Reinier Nooms (c. 1623 – 1664), also known as Zeeman or Seeman (Dutch for "sailor"), was a Dutch maritime painter known for his highly detailed paintings and etchings of ships. From the 1650s, Nooms started producing…

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