Feb 8, 2007
Feb 27, 2012
Feb 27, 2012

Herengracht, Amsterdam

Herengracht, Amsterdam

c. 1661

Jan Wijnants

(Dutch, 1635–1684)

Oil on canvas

Framed: 87 x 101 x 9.2 cm (34 1/4 x 39 3/4 x 3 5/8 in.); Unframed: 67.2 x 81.6 cm (26 7/16 x 32 1/8 in.)

Gift of Harry D. Kendrick 1964.419

Location

Description

This painting is the first depiction of Amsterdam in which a canal is given prominence. Flanked by picturesque, tree-lined avenues and exquisite mansions, the Herengracht (Gentleman's Canal) was one of Amsterdam's most important waterways. The precision with which Jan Wijnants portrayed the topography of the city enables the viewer to witness the development of this location. To the left of the canal, Wijnants depicted a lumber yard, on which, in 1662, the architect Philip Vingoboons built four houses for the merchant Jacob Cromhout. Furthermore, soon after Wijanants completed this painting the canal was expanded.

See also
Type of artwork: 
Painting
Medium: 
Oil on canvas

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