A River Scene with a Large Ferry
- Artist: Jan van de Cappelle
- Date: about 1665
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is "A River Scene with a Large Ferry" by Jan van de Cappelle. Painted in the Dutch tradition, it's a work that captures the busy waterways of Holland during the 17th century.
As you can see, the artist has focused on conveying a sense of stillness and tranquility despite the activity taking place. The vessels are almost hidden in shadow, but they're crowded with incident and activity for the patient eye to find.
The large ferry is probably a weijdschip, with one sail draped like an elegant curtain and the other furled into a spiral. Its two blue and white flags suggest it's from Texel, a busy port in North Holland. The well-dressed people on board are waiting for the wind to start their journey.
Notice how the artist has exaggerated the height of the masts and bathed the folds of sails in warm sunlight to give the image its majesty. And look at the way the light catches the ropes, masts, and sailcloth - it's a beautiful example of 17th-century Dutch painting technique.
Painted around 1665, during a time when Holland was at war with England, this picture offers a glimpse into life in Holland during that period. The gold and white flag hanging over the side of the ferry is particularly striking, as are the bundles of hay and the cannon behind it. It's a painting that rewards close attention, and I encourage you to take your time to appreciate its many details.
See it in person
A River Scene with a Large Ferry hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
