The Maas at Dordrecht in a Storm 1650

Aelbert Cuyp made this painting of the Maas at Dordrecht with oil on canvas. The scene, turbulent with rough seas and ominous clouds, reflects the economic realities of the Netherlands during its Golden Age. The Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, and its wealth depended on trade and shipping. The materials used to create this image, from the canvas to the pigments, would have been sourced via global trade routes. Cuyp’s masterful handling of the oil paint, a relatively new medium at the time, allowed him to capture the nuances of light and atmosphere. Look closely at the way he’s rendered the billowing sails and the choppy waves. The impasto technique, applying thick layers of paint, creates a sense of texture and depth. This adds realism to the scene. But it also reflects the labor involved in the production of art, and the skilled traditions necessary to create it. Understanding the material and process of this artwork allows us to appreciate the intersection of art, commerce, and society in the 17th-century Netherlands.