River View 1650 - 1675

Jeronymus van Diest II made this River View with oil on panel sometime in the mid-17th century. The paint has been thinly applied, with a light touch, allowing for soft gradations and subtle reflections. Consider the social context. Diest was part of a long tradition of Dutch landscape painting. These weren't just pretty pictures. They also reflected the economic and social life of the time. Rivers were highways of commerce, and boats like the ones depicted here were essential for trade and transport. The very making of this painting relies on a division of labor, from the production of pigments to the milling of the wood panel, and the skilled application of paint itself. By focusing on the making and the material conditions of this artwork, we can appreciate how it reflects the wider world of labor, commerce, and social life. It challenges us to see beyond the surface and understand the deep connections between art, craft, and society.