Massed shipping anchored in the foreground: a view of Rotterdam beyond

Jan Claes Rietschoof 1652 - 1719

Summary

The large vessel on the left of the picture, De Katharina, is a Dutch freighter of a sort that was used for transporting goods around the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. To the right, a much smaller English merchant ship offers a respectful salute. The painting is very detailed and may depict a real event. Rietschoof initially trained with the portrait painter Abraham Liedts in Hoorn, which was the base of operations for the Dutch East India Company. He later worked in the studio of Ludolf Backhuysen, one of the leading marine painters of the time, and his seascapes are very much in Backhuysen's style. Here, the artist has created a portrait of Rotterdam that links its prosperity to its maritime trade.

Display Label

Massed Shipping Anchored in the Foreground: A View of Rotterdam Beyond  1706

Jan Claes Rietschoof  1652-1719

Oil on panel

The large cargo vessel is called De Katherina. It is a Dutch freighter used for transporting goods around the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. To the right, a much smaller English merchant ship offers a respectful salute. The painting is very detailed and may depict a real event. Rietschoof has created a portrait of Rotterdam that links its prosperity to its maritime trade.

Rietschoof initially trained with the portrait painter Abraham Liedts in the town of Hoorn, the base of operations for the Dutch East India Company. He later worked in the studio of Ludolf Backhuysen one of the leading marine painters of the time.

Assheton Bennett bequest  1979.495