The "Overtoom" (Portage) at Amsterdam

c. 1652/1654

Reinier Nooms, called Zeeman

Associated Names
Reinier Nooms, called Zeeman

Artist, Dutch, 1623 or 1624 - 1664

Cornelis Danckerts I

Publisher, Dutch, c.1601 - 1656

The image is a black and white etching of a harbor scene. The scene shows a waterfront with various buildings, trees, and people, with a large ship positioned diagonally as the central focus. Workers are seen moving the ship on the shore. In the distance, there is a large water wheel and another boat. Precision line work with hatching and cross-hatching is used for shading and texture. The color palette is monochromatic, with black ink on paper creating depth. The image conveys activity and labor in a historical seaside town.

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

See all 12 artworks
The image shows a maritime setting with ships sailing on the water. The scene is viewed from a slightly elevated perspective, with delicate and finely detailed brushstrokes depicting boats, figures, and water movement. The color palette is primarily shades of gray and black. Various boats are seen on the water, with a large flag featuring text. More ships with raised sails are moored or sailing in the distance, with marine equipment and structures visible along the shore. The background includes additional boats and a cloudy sky.

A Seaport

Reinier Nooms, called Zeeman, Cornelis Danckerts I

1647

The image consists of a grid of twelve black and white sketches depicting various nautical and maritime scenes. Each sketch shows different vessels, human activities, and coastal environments from a slightly elevated perspective. The scenes are portrayed from the side, with the horizon typically in the upper third. The sketches feature detailed and precise brushstrokes or engravings, creating fine lines and shading for texture and depth. A monochromatic color palette of varying shades of gray is used to provide contrast. The skies show stylized clouds, while the water conveys motion and reflection. The scenes depict ships, people engaging in trade, fishing, or travel in the foreground, while the background includes more water, ships, or coastal landscapes.

Verscheÿde Schepen en Gesichten van Amstelredam (Various Ships and Views of Amsterdam): Part III

Reinier Nooms, called Zeeman, Cornelis Danckerts I

1647

The image depicts a black-and-white etching of a canal scene. The composition shows boats moored along the canal, with buildings and a tower in the background. The architecture is detailed and precise, with gabled roofs and chimneys emitting smoke. The water reflects the boats, and birds are present in the sky. The artwork showcases a bustling canal life.

The Rokin and the Bourse in Amsterdam

Reinier Nooms, called Zeeman, Cornelis Danckerts I

1647

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Rob Kattenburg, Bergen); purchased by NGA, 2017.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2018

  • Water, Wind, and Waves: Marine Paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2018, unnumbered brochure.

Bibliography

1949

  • Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger: no. 58

Inscriptions

lower center in plate: Den Overtoom, / 7

Wikidata ID

Q77260008

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