Artwork

A Coastal Scene with a Fortified Town

A Coastal Scene with a Fortified Town, by Jacob van der Ulft, ink, 1670
A Coastal Scene with a Fortified Town, by Jacob van der Ulft, ink, 1670

A Coastal Scene with a Fortified Town is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Jacob van der Ulft. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Coastal Scene with a Fortified Town is a 17th-century drawing by Jacob van der Ulft, created around 1670 using pen, ink, and washes on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a bustling coastal landscape with a fortified town, featuring a mix of architectural elements, such as a stone wall, tower, and domed roofs, alongside everyday activities like soldiers marching and people going about their daily business.

Technique & Style

Van der Ulft employed a range of techniques, including ink and washes, to create depth and contrast in the scene, rendering the buildings with a sense of solidity and age.

History & Provenance

Jacob van der Ulft was a Dutch artist who was also a mayor and produced a variety of works, including paintings, prints, and stained glass designs, in addition to his architectural and topographical drawings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob van der Ulft

Artist

Jacob van der Ulft

Jacob van der Ulft (Dutch pronunciation: ; 1621–1689) was a Dutch painter, glass painter, print artist, architect and mayor. He was known for his architectural and city views, landscapes and topographical views.

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