View of Buildings and Linden Trees in Rijswijk
mid 17th century
Medium
Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, gray wash, possibly added by a later hand; framing lines in pen and brown ink
Dimensions
3 3/4 x 6 in. (9.5 x 15.2 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1946
Accession Number
46.57.3
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
Jan de Bisschop's *View of Buildings and Linden Trees in Rijswijk*, created in the mid-17th century, captures a serene Dutch landscape during the Golden Age. This intimate drawing depicts modest houses nestled among stately linden trees in Rijswijk, a village near The Hague. De Bisschop, a Dutch draughtsman, architect, and etcher (1628–1671), was renowned for his precise topographical studies and copies of classical antiquities, blending meticulous observation with a classical sensibility inspired by Italian masters. Executed in pen and brown ink with brush and brown wash, accented by gray wash (possibly added later), the work exemplifies 17th-century Dutch drawing techniques. Fine ink lines delineate architectural details and foliage, while washes provide subtle tonal depth, evoking atmosphere and light. At just 3 3/4 x 6 inches, its small scale invites close viewing, highlighting the era's fascination with everyday vernacular architecture and nature—emblems of prosperity and harmony in the prosperous Dutch Republic. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1946, this gem from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department offers a window into de Bisschop's skill in translating transient scenes into enduring records, bridging topography and artistry for generations of viewers.
About the Artist
Jan de Bisschop · 1628–1671
Comment on works: drawings of Cityscapes & Landscapes