Boerenhut aan het water 1617 - 1681

Cornelis Saftleven’s “Boerenhut aan het water” is a drawing rendered in pen and brown ink, with grey wash. Though seemingly humble, the work prompts us to consider the broader context of artistic production in the 17th century. Saftleven’s choice of materials is itself revealing. Pen, ink and wash were relatively accessible, and the artist skillfully employs these modest means to depict a rustic scene. The thatched roof and timber construction of the farmhouse suggest a dwelling built by hand, with locally sourced materials. We can almost feel the weight and texture of the wood and straw, materials that speak to the labor and lives of the rural population. While Saftleven was clearly a skilled draughtsman, his artistry lies not in technical virtuosity but in his ability to imbue everyday scenes with a sense of dignity. By focusing on the materiality of the farmhouse and its connection to the surrounding landscape, Saftleven challenges the traditional hierarchy between high art and the more humble crafts of building and agriculture.