Dredging a Canal 1640 - 1682

"Dredging a Canal" is a pen and ink drawing by Jacob van Ruisdael, a prominent Dutch Golden Age painter. Created between 1640 and 1682, the drawing depicts a detailed scene of a canal dredging operation. The artist's meticulous rendering of the complex machinery and the surrounding urban environment showcases his mastery of detail and his keen interest in the working class of his time. This drawing is a testament to van Ruisdael's ability to capture the dynamism of everyday life, showcasing the vital role of infrastructure in 17th-century Holland. The work is currently part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.