Artwork

View of Amsterdam from the North West

View of Amsterdam from the North West, by Rembrandt, 1640
View of Amsterdam from the North West, by Rembrandt, 1640

View of Amsterdam from the North West is a print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

View of Amsterdam from the North West is a 17th-century cityscape print by Rembrandt van Rijn, dated circa 1640, and part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bustling Amsterdam landscape from the northwest, featuring a dense skyline, a cluttered riverbank with possible vegetation, windmills in the middle ground, and a crowded harbor with ships.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, scratchy lines suggestive of a rapid sketch, the work emphasizes texture, notably in the fuzzy depiction of water and grass, reflecting a common 17th-century approach to capturing fleeting light and movement.

History & Provenance

Created around 1640 by Rembrandt van Rijn, the print is currently housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

This sketch aligns with the Baroque art movement, known for its dramatic and lively depictions, though its rapid execution style also reflects the era's emphasis on capturing dynamic scenes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rembrandt

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.

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