Cottage by a River

c. 1627/1629

Jan van Goyen

Associated Names
Jan van Goyen

Artist, Dutch, 1596 - 1656

The image shows a landscape sketch in pencil on paper, depicting a tranquil rural scene. The point of view is at eye level, offering a straight-on perspective of the setting. The horizon is near the center of the image, with a row of vegetation and a lone tree along it. On the left side is a thatched-roof building with figures near it, possibly indicating a rural dwelling. Next to the building is a quiet stream or path leading towards the center. The marks are light and loose, creating a simple, sketch-like aesthetic with minimal detail. The color palette is monochromatic, varying in shades of gray. In the background, faint lines suggest additional trees, enhancing the peaceful rural atmosphere.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black chalk on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    Overall (approximate): 11.5 x 22.5 cm (4 1/2 x 8 7/8 in.)
    support: 18.7 cm (7 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1978.101.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Beck 1987, no. 844, State A/53

  • Series Title

    General George Catchmade Morgan Album (Beck 1987, 844A)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

General George Catchmade Morgan; by inheritance to his daughter, Sophia Pollard, Hertford; (P.&D. Conaghi, London); purchased by NGA, 1978.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2001

  • Aelbert Cuyp, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2001-2002.

Bibliography

1987

  • Beck, Hans-Ulrich. Jan van Goyen, 1596-1656: ein Oeuvreverzeichnis. 4 vols. Vol. 3: Ergänzungen zum Katalog der Handzeichnungen und Ergänzungen zum Katalog der Gemälde. Doornspijk, 1987.

1997

  • van Eeghen, Christiaan P. "Jan van Goyen's Early Chalk Landscapes from Two Albums," Master Drawings 35(Summer 1997): 176.

Inscriptions

in later hand, on mount, upper left: C; upper right: P / 8677/C; lower right: ros R / 28

Wikidata ID

Q64580774

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