Description
This painting is the first depiction of Amsterdam in which a canal is given prominence. Flanked by picturesque, tree-lined avenues and exquisite mansions, the Herengracht (Gentleman's Canal) was one of Amsterdam's most important waterways. The precision with which Jan Wijnants portrayed the topography of the city enables the viewer to witness the development of this location. To the left of the canal, Wijnants depicted a lumber yard, on which, in 1662, the architect Philip Vingoboons built four houses for the merchant Jacob Cromhout. Furthermore, soon after Wijanants completed this painting the canal was expanded.
Provenance
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio (1964-); (Frederick Mont, New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (Probably 1964); (C. Duits, London)1 (1963-1964?); (Sale, Sotheby’s, London, July 3, 1963, no. 17, sold to C. Duits)1 (1963); Violet Sassoon, Heathfield Park, Sussex, consigned to Sotheby’s (Until 1963); (Sale, Galerie Charpentier, Paris, March 31, 1938, no. 45)1 (1938)
Accession Number
1964.419
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
Framed: 87 x 101 x 9.2 cm (34 1/4 x 39 3/4 x 3 5/8 in.); Unframed: 67.2 x 81.6 cm (26 7/16 x 32 1/8 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Gift of Harry D. Kendrick