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Moonlight on a Canal, by Aert van der Neer, oil, 1660

Moonlight on a Canal

Aert van der Neer

1660

oil

panel

From the collection of Philadelphia Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

Moonlight on a Canal is a 1660 oil by Aert van der Neer, a Dutch Golden Age work, held at Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Who painted this?
Aert van der Neer
When & what style?
1660 · Dutch Golden Age
Where can I see it?
Philadelphia Museum of Art

About this work

The painting depicts a serene canal scene under the soft glow of moonlight. The water's surface reflects the surrounding trees and buildings, creating a sense of calmness. In the foreground, a few figures are visible, but their features are not clearly defined. The artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and dimension to the scene. The moonlight casts a gentle glow on the water, while the surrounding trees and buildings are shrouded in darkness. This painting showcases the artist's skill in capturing the beauty of a peaceful night scene. To learn more about the artist's techniques and style, explore the work of Aert van der Neer.

About the artist

Artist

Aert van der Neer

Aert van der Neer, or Aernout or Artus (c. 1603 – 9 November 1677), was a landscape painter of the Dutch Golden Age, who specialized in small night scenes lit only by moonlight and fires, and snowy winter landscapes,…

See the richer artist page

More by Aert van der Neer

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