View of a Town on a River, Jan van Goyen, 1645
oil on canvas, h 131cm × w 165.3cm Catalogue entry
Van Goyen revolutionized Dutch landscape painting with a fresh style. Utilizing blue, grey, and ochre tints he skilfully portrayed the country’s damp weather. He made sketches during his walks, which served as references for his paintings. The figures in this picture are also on the move, by boat or by carriage, while the inn with a swan on its signboard offers a place to rest.
