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Jan van der Heyden (artist) Dutch, 1637 - 1712 An Architectural Fantasy, c. 1670 oil on panel Overall: 49.7 x 70.7 cm (19 9/16 x 27 13/16 in.) framed: 69.2 x 90.1 x 6.3 cm (27 1/4 x 35 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.) Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund 1968.13.1 On View |
The Dutch Republic differed in both its political structure and religious orientation from the Catholic monarchies that ruled most other seventeenth-century European nations. Dutch culture was, however, open to many influences; one of the most pervasive of these was the introduction of classical ideals, specifically in architecture.
A number of Dutch architects designed and built large homes, palaces, and town halls in classical styles similar to that of the chateau in this painting. Although this particular château and the formal gardens surrounding it are fanciful creations of the artist, the image of refined elegance and wealth that the scene conveys reflects the social aspirations of the Dutch landed gentry at that time.
Van der Heyden was an inventor as well as an artist. In 1669 he devised a plan for lighting the city streets of Amsterdam. He later developed a vacuum pump that permitted the use of hoses for firefighting. As a painter he specialized in depicting views of cities and country estates. He worked in such a precise style that it seems he delineated every brick and course of mortar on his buildings. Surprisingly, despite such a devotion to detail, most of his views are imaginary creations.