The Swijgh Utrecht Tower in Amsterdam c. 1650 - 1655
rembrandtvanrijn
rijksmuseum
drawing, ink, pen
drawing
baroque
dutch-golden-age
landscape
etching
form
ink
line
pen
cityscape
This detailed pen drawing by Rembrandt van Rijn depicts the Swijgh Utrecht Tower in Amsterdam, showcasing the artist's interest in architectural subjects. Created between 1650 and 1655, this sketch captures the building's intricate details, from the towering chimney to the surrounding fence. The composition highlights the building's imposing presence and its position within the urban landscape, providing a glimpse into 17th-century Amsterdam. This artwork is an example of Rembrandt's early architectural drawings, demonstrating his meticulous observation and rendering techniques.
Comments
The Arquebusiers, who commissioned Rembrandt’s Night Watch, assembled in the two structures at the left in this drawing. The Night Watch hung in the leftmost modern building of the complex from 1642. The nearby medieval city wall tower had a tall pointed roof in Rembrandt’s time. Rembrandt omitted it to showcase the original architecture. He used such old round towers as scenery in his history scenes.
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