Artwork
View of Smyrna (Izmir)

View of Smyrna (Izmir) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist N. Knop. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
The painting is executed in oil paint on canvas and shows minor craquelure across the surface, indicative of age but no structural damage.
The painting is executed in oil paint on canvas and shows minor craquelure across the surface, indicative of age but no structural damage. The brushwork demonstrates a restrained palette and precise topographical detail, reflecting the artist's focus on accurate depiction of the urban landscape of İzmir. The composition balances architectural elements with natural scenery, emphasizing linear perspective and atmospheric depth.
History & Provenance
View of Smyrna (Izmir) is an oil painting by N. Knop created in 1779. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam, where it has been housed since its acquisition. Its dimensions are 77 cm by 138 cm, and it was originally painted on canvas. The painting depicts the city of İzmir as it appeared during the late 18th century.
The painting entered the Rijksmuseum's holdings through a documented acquisition, although specific details of the acquisition process are not elaborated in the available sources. Its provenance reflects continuous stewardship by the institution since its addition to the collection.
The painting View of Smyrna (Izmir) by N. Knop is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Created in 1779, the work is executed in oil on canvas and depicts the city of İzmir. The museum's records list the piece with dimensions of 77 cm in height and 138 cm in width.
No specific inventory or accession number is provided in the available sources, nor is there any recorded exhibition history for this particular artwork.
Overview
View of Smyrna (Izmir) is an oil painting created by N. Knop in 1790. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the city of İzmir, focusing on its bustling harbor with various ships on choppy waters. The cityscape unfolds along the shore, featuring a mix of buildings and towers, with a hill rising in the background.
Artist & collection
Artist
Here you’ll find two crisp views of Smyrna painted in 1779, the city’s rooftops and harbor captured in oil.










