view of a wagon on a ferry with four figures and horses, in front of a bridge with two arches; two figures wearing top hats in shadows in foreground; trees in foreground and behind wall at right; tower behind bridge, left of center

Ferry in Front of a Stone Bridge, 1616

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Jan van de Velde played a central role in the development of the Dutch Golden Age landscape. With some 200 impeccably made landscape etchings, Jan consolidated and broadcast the Dutch nationalistic view of Holland as a new Eden, a garden of peace and plenty. His etchings catered to an increasingly urban population that delighted in his idealized views of a charming, delightful, picturesque countryside. Ferry in Front of a Stone Bridge embodies these qualities and comes from the moment of Jan's most original creativity. Of all the early figures in the development of the native Dutch landscape, his etchings are those most in tune with Holland's classicizing interest in the bucolic poetry of Virgil, particularly the Eclogues and Georgics.

Details
Title
Ferry in Front of a Stone Bridge
Artist Life
c. 1593–after 1641
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2011.78.2
Provenance
(Pia Gallo, New York); sold to MIA, 2011
Catalogue Raisonne
Holl. 250
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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view of a wagon on a ferry with four figures and horses, in front of a bridge with two arches; two figures wearing top hats in shadows in foreground; trees in foreground and behind wall at right; tower behind bridge, left of center