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Artwork

View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort

Balthasar van der Veen , 1650

View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort, by Balthasar van der Veen, oil, 1650
View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort, by Balthasar van der Veen, oil, 1650

View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Balthasar van der Veen. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a panoramic prospect of Haarlem viewed from across the Spaarne river, with the Eendjespoort visible in the foreground.

The painting presents a panoramic prospect of Haarlem viewed from across the Spaarne river, with the Eendjespoort visible in the foreground. It belongs to the genre known as "Haerlempjes", topographical cityscapes devoted to Haarlem that flourished among Dutch Golden Age painters, who repeatedly returned to familiar vantage points to depict the city's silhouette and waterways. The composition foregrounds the Spaarne as a reflective surface leading the eye toward Haarlem's landmarks, including the prominent Gothic tower of the Grote Kerk (the church of St. Bavo), which functioned as both a recognizable civic identifier and a symbol of the city's prosperity and piety.

By framing Haarlem from a fixed spot on the riverbank, the work participates in a broader tradition of celebrating the urban identity of the Dutch Republic through recognizable monuments, water, and sky.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel, a technique typical of Dutch Golden Age easel painting. The modest dimensions of 75.3 cm by 109.2 cm frame a meticulously rendered view of Haarlem’s riverside, emphasizing linear perspective and subtle atmospheric effects. Light falls across the water and façades, creating a delicate interplay of shadow and illumination that underscores the composition’s balanced spatial order. The surface exhibits a smooth finish, suggesting careful handling and preservation over centuries.

History & Provenance

The painting was created in 1650 by Balthasar van der Veen, executed in oil paint on panel, and depicts a view of Haarlem featuring the Grote Kerk, the Spaarne, and the Eendjespoort. It belongs to the genre of Haerlempjes, small-scale views of Haarlem produced by artists working in or connected to that city.

The work was later owned by the Dutch art historian and collector Abraham Bredius, a figure known for his scholarship on Dutch Golden Age painting and his significant private collection. It subsequently entered the holdings of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is currently held.

The painting is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, as recorded in the Wikidata entry for the work. It was previously owned by the art historian and collector Abraham Bredius before entering the museum's holdings. No accession number, inventory designation, or specific exhibition history is documented in the available sources.

The panel, executed in oil paint, measures 75.3 cm in height by 109.2 cm in width and was created in 1650 by Balthasar van der Veen.

Overview

Created circa 1650, this oil on canvas presents a panoramic view of Haarlem as seen from across the Spaarde River near the former Eendjespoort gate. The composition captures the river’s gentle flow, the towering Gothic spire of the Grote Kerk, and the modest gate on the left, offering a tranquil, topographical snapshot of the city in the mid‑seventeenth century.

The Waag (weigh-house) and Crane on the Spaarne, Haarlem
The Waag (weigh-house) and Crane on the Spaarne, Haarlem, Gerrit Adriaenszoon Berckheyde

Artist & collection

Artist

Balthasar van der Veen

Balthasar (Baltazar) van der Veen (1596 – 1660) was a Dutch Golden Age landscape painter He was a son of Balthasar van der Veen, a merchant from Antwerp Balthasar, the painter, is mentioned in Jan van der Veen's poem as his nephew.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Rijksmuseum. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort?

View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort was painted by Balthasar van der Veen in 1650-01-01.

Where can I see View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort?

View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort?

View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort?

Museum-quality prints of View of Haarlem from across the Spaarne, near the Eendjespoort are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.