Panoramic View of a River with Low-lying Meadows after 1644

Jan van Goyen made this painting of a Dutch river scene on a wood panel, likely oak, using oil paints. The limited palette of muted greens, browns, and grays gives the work its character. It reflects the readily available pigments, as well as the artist’s aesthetic. The thin paint layers, applied with fluid brushstrokes, create a sense of atmospheric perspective. The materiality speaks to the economic realities of 17th-century Dutch painting, where artists often worked efficiently to meet market demands. Consider the labor involved in producing such a painting: from grinding pigments to preparing the wood panel, each step required skill and time. The subject of the work, a busy waterway dotted with boats and windmills, points to the centrality of trade and industry in the Dutch Golden Age. By paying attention to the materials, the making process, and the broader social context, we can gain a deeper understanding of this seemingly simple landscape painting.