Artwork

Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets

Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets, by Frans Smissaert, unspecified, 1908
Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets, by Frans Smissaert, unspecified, 1908

Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Frans Smissaert. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

History & Provenance

Likewise, no exhibition history is documented in the materials consulted, so the work's display record beyond its current museum holding cannot be confirmed.

The painting titled Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets was created by the artist Frans Smissaert in 1908. It is classified as a landscape work depicting dunes, a lighthouse, and fishing nets. The inception date is recorded as January 1, 1908. The artwork is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

The painting is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, as recorded in its Wikidata entry. No specific inventory or accession number is provided in the available sources. Likewise, no exhibition history is documented in the materials consulted, so the work's display record beyond its current museum holding cannot be confirmed.

Overview

Frans Smissaert’s 1908 oil painting presents a tranquil coastal dune scene. A solitary white lighthouse crowns a distant hill, while modest structures punctuate the horizon. In the foreground, wind‑tossed sand mingles with sparse grass and twisted trees, where a small flock of sheep grazes and abandoned fishing nets lie tangled on the ground.

Subject & Meaning

The composition juxtaposes human activity and natural elements, highlighting the interplay between the sea‑borne lighthouse, the pastoral presence of sheep, and the remnants of fishing gear. This balance suggests a quiet coexistence of maritime labor, rural life, and the shifting landscape of the dunes.

Technique & Style

Smissaert employs loose, rapid brushwork that softens outlines and creates a hazy atmosphere. The palette is muted, with gentle light that blends hues rather than defining sharp contrasts, giving the scene a dreamlike, almost lyrical quality.

Context

Dune landscapes were a popular subject in Dutch art, reflecting both the nation’s coastal geography and a fascination with the mutable nature of sand, wind, and light. Smissaert’s treatment aligns with this tradition while emphasizing a serene, everyday moment.

Dune landscape
Dune landscape, Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch

Artist & collection

Portrait of Frans Smissaert

Artist

Frans Smissaert

Frans Smissaert (1862–1944) was an artist, born in The Hague.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets?

Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets was painted by Frans Smissaert in 1908-01-01.

Where can I see Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets?

Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets?

Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets?

Museum-quality prints of Dune landscape with lighthouse and fishing nets are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.