A Coast Scene
- Artist: Jan van de Cappelle
- Date: about 1650-5
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the A Coast Scene by Jan van de Cappelle. Painted around 1650, it showcases a serene and atmospheric depiction of a Dutch estuary scene. Notice how the grey clouds billow across the sky, casting a luminous light on the water below.
Look closely at the two slender poles in midstream, marking the safe course up the river at low tide. Their reflections stretch long due to the angle of the sun. A small boat is seen heading out from harbour, its sails filling with wind.
Observe how van de Cappelle uses a limited palette of cool colours to capture the pearly light and reflections of the estuary. The composition is harmonious, yet it's also brooding and atmospheric due to the stillness and dark clouds.
Note the flags on the incoming and outgoing boats, echoing each other in a show of pride for the Dutch Republic. And see how the people on board are silhouetted against the tall sail, their characters made out by the details of their clothing.
See it in person
A Coast Scene 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.
