River Scene 1645 - 1699

Abraham Rutgers created this red chalk drawing titled River Scene sometime in the 17th century. Rutgers belonged to a generation of Dutch artists who captured the vernacular and everyday life of the Netherlands. During this period, the Dutch Republic emerged as a global maritime power. Canals became essential arteries for trade and transportation, deeply intertwined with the economic and social fabric of Dutch society. In Rutgers’s River Scene, the tranquil waterway offers a glimpse into the intimate connection between the Dutch and their landscape. The drawing gently reflects the cultural values of the time, such as the importance of community and connection with nature, while mirroring the growth and innovation that characterized the Dutch Golden Age. It invites viewers to reflect on the interplay between human activity and the natural world, and perhaps to cherish these themes in our contemporary moment.