Houses at a Canal 1652 - 1712

Jan van der Heyden painted this view of canal houses using oil on panel. Though oil paint might seem like a traditional medium, it's worth remembering that even in the 17th century, it was very much a manufactured product. The milling and mixing of pigments and oils would have been an industry in itself. In this case, the artist has used the inherent properties of the material to create a meticulous rendering of brickwork and still water. Look at the way the paint has been applied in thin, careful layers to build up the details of the architecture. Consider, too, the amount of labor involved in the construction of the buildings themselves, brick by brick. Van der Heyden shows us not just a scene, but also the social context that made it possible. Recognizing the value of materials, making, and context allows us to fully appreciate the cultural significance of this work, bridging the gap between fine art and craft.