Gezicht op de stad Bacharach 1658 - 1712

This delicate rendering of Bacharach was made by Jan van Call around the turn of the 18th century, using ink and watercolor. Van Call wasn't after photorealism; he selectively emphasizes elements of the scene to guide our eye. Notice the way the town is perched on the Rhine, under the watchful eye of the castle high above. The artist applied diluted washes of watercolor to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, contrasting the rough texture of the rocks with the smooth surface of the water. The choice of ink and watercolor was strategic, offering portability and speed, well-suited for capturing landscapes. While not as prized as oil painting, watercolor allowed for a unique kind of observational art. This work reflects a growing interest in picturesque views, fueled by travel and a desire to document the world. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward landscape scenes are always carefully constructed.