The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Schelle, near Antwerp, seen from the North, with a Boat in the river Vliet

Art Historical Context

This delicate 17th-century drawing captures a serene view of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul Schelle, near Antwerp gazed from the north across the gentle Vliet River. A small boat glides on the water, framed by riverside trees, evoking the everyday tranquility of Flemish countryside life during the Dutch Golden Age. Attributed to either the renowned Dutch landscape master Jan van Goyen or anonymous Flemish artist, it the era's fascination with atmospheric natural scenes intertwined with humble architecture. Executed in black chalk, pen and brown ink, and heightened with white gouache on faded blue paper, the work showcases virtuoso techniques of the time. The blue ground, now subtle due to age, allowed for dynamic light effects—shadows in ink and chalk recede into misty depths, while white gouache pops highlights on water, foliage, and stone. Such preparatory-style sheets were prized by collectors for their spontaneity and tonal subtlety, bridging painting and sketch. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013 through the Brooke Russell Astor Bequest, this 9½ × 15⅛-inch gem invites visitors to ponder 17th-century Europe's blend of faith, nature, and quiet industry—a window into a world where riverine hamlets like Schelle pulsed with unassuming beauty.