Seascape near Heijst c. 1868

Willem Roelofs’ “Seascape near Heijst” is a small-scale oil painting that captures the serene beauty of the Dutch coast. Created around 1868, the work showcases Roelofs’ mastery of atmospheric landscapes. The painting depicts a wide expanse of the North Sea, with gentle waves lapping at the sandy shore. The sky is a canvas of soft blues and grays, suggesting a quiet, almost melancholic mood. The horizon line, dividing the sky and the sea, dominates the composition, further emphasizing the sense of vastness and tranquility. Roelofs’ use of muted tones and loose brushstrokes evokes the gentle movement of the waves and the quiet drama of the natural world.