The Dordrecht Harbor

589
The Dordrecht Harbor
ca. 1665
Jan van de Cappelle

This painting of trading vessels and people in a harbor breathes a peaceful atmosphere. Depth is achieved by the picturesque sails, masts and flags slanting to the low horizon where, in the far distance, they mingle with the silhouette of Dordrecht. The shapes are smaller in the distance and lit with grey-green light. Quiet colours of brown, green and blue predominate with here and there an accent given by the red coat of a rider or soldier. As in most Dutch paintings of this kind in the 17th c. there is a wide expanse of sky in various shades of blue and grey and in it a flock of birds lend peace to the scene.