River Landscape 

Hendrick Avercamp rendered this river landscape in watercolor, likely in the early 17th century. The tranquil scene belies the fact that the Netherlands were then in the throes of the Eighty Years' War with Spain. We see many figures engaged in quiet labor and leisure activities. A man sits fishing in the foreground as larger boats sail behind him. The presence of the Dutch flag in the distance, along with windmills, are emblems of the growing Dutch Republic. It’s a view of everyday life, yet there is a conscious assertion of Dutch national identity. Avercamp was one of the first artists to specialize in winter scenes and landscapes. His choices suggest the growing importance of genre scenes as a subject for art. To understand this image more fully, we can consult historical accounts, maps, and economic data from the period to learn more about the rise of Dutch maritime power. The meaning of art is always enriched by understanding its social and institutional context.