Artwork
River Landscape with a Ferry Boat
River Landscape with a Ferry Boat is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Wigerus Vitringa. It dates from 1689 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
River Landscape with a Ferry Boat is a drawing executed in pen, black ink, and watercolor on laid paper that has been mounted on board. The work dates to 1689 and is attributed to the Dutch artist Wigerus Vitringa.
Technique & Style
The piece combines precise ink line work with delicate watercolor washes, a common practice among 17th‑century Dutch draughtsmen. Laid paper provides a textured surface that enhances the interplay of line and pigment, while the mounting on board offers stability for display.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a river scene featuring a ferry boat, illustrating everyday transport and the relationship between people and waterways in the Dutch Republic. The tranquil setting reflects the period’s interest in realistic landscape observation.
History & Provenance
Created in 1689, the drawing belongs to the later phase of Vitringa’s career, when he focused on topographical subjects. Its provenance prior to modern collection records is not extensively documented, but the work has been preserved in a paper‑on‑board format, indicating careful handling over the centuries.
Artist & collection
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