View of Dordrecht

Beginning in the 1630s, van Goyen created panoramic views of Dutch cities. His view of Dordrecht seen from the south across the Oude Maas (Old Meuse River) with the silhouette of the Gothic Grote Kerk has the qualities of a marine landscape. Using loose brushwork and in some cases very thin paint, van Goyen captures the translucence and motion of air and water. His largely brown colouration with little use of shades of blue and green makes the presence of water almost tangible.