Gezicht op Grissee 1775 - 1780

A. de Nelly’s “Gezicht op Grissee,” a detailed drawing created between 1775 and 1780, captures a coastal landscape with a focus on the Dutch settlement of Grissee. This panoramic view depicts the waterfront with numerous ships and boats, indicating a bustling port city. The artist employs a subtle use of shading to represent the depth of the water and the foliage of the trees lining the shore. The small scale of the figures and structures adds to the sense of vastness, showcasing the grandeur of the coastal town. The scene is further enhanced by the presence of a banner declaring “Grissee” in the sky, adding a decorative touch to the otherwise pragmatic representation of the Dutch settlement.