Fishing Boats on a River

Salomon van Ruysdael

Created:
Movement:
1663
Baroque
key Notes:
Riverine Landscape, Atmospheric Perspective
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Dimensions:
Overall, with added strips, 14 3/4 x 21 7/8 in. (37.5 x 55.6 cm); painted surface 14 1/4 x 21 1/4 in. (36.2 x 54 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
story of the work:

"Fishing Boats on a River" is a painting by Dutch artist Salomon van Ruysdael, created in the early 1660s. Van Ruysdael, a prominent landscape painter, is known for his depictions of rivers and coastal scenes. The work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's interest in naturalism and the interplay of light and water. The composition features fishing boats, which reflect the importance of the fishing industry in the Netherlands during this period. The painting showcases van Ruysdael's skill in rendering atmospheric effects and detailed landscapes. Specific details about the painting's provenance or exhibition history are not widely documented. The current location of the painting is also not specified in available sources.

Description of the work:

"Fishing Boats on a River" by Salomon van Ruysdael, created in the early 1660s, is an oil on wood painting that depicts a serene river scene. The composition features several fishing boats, rendered with meticulous attention to detail, gliding along the water's surface. The boats are portrayed with varying degrees of activity, suggesting a moment of daily life in a Dutch fishing community. The river is framed by lush greenery and distant trees, contributing to a sense of depth and tranquility. The sky occupies a significant portion of the canvas, characterized by soft, atmospheric clouds that reflect the light of the day. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones, with subtle variations that enhance the naturalistic quality of the scene. The overall effect is one of harmony and balance, typical of Ruysdael's landscape work, emphasizing the relationship between humanity and nature.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Fishing Boats on a River