Who painted River with Town?

River with Town was painted by Cornelis Ploos van Amstel in 1775.

Where can I see River with Town?

River with Town is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is River with Town?

River with Town is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

River with Town

Cornelis Ploos van Amstel , 1775

River with Town is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Cornelis Ploos van Amstel. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in image: P Coopse f; verso in center in graphite: Geoffererd aan myne / Vriend de kunstlievende Ed Heer L... / Ploos vAmstel J C; verso along bottom in graphite: ... / Ploos vanAmstel JC

About this work

Overview

Cornelis Ploos van Amstel’s 1775 print, titled River with Town, presents a tranquil riverside scene rendered in black ink on laid paper. The composition balances a modest foreground with a rowboat carrying two figures, a cluster of anchored sailboats, and a modest settlement of simple structures and church spires that line the water’s edge.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures everyday life along a quiet waterway, emphasizing calm and modest activity. The presence of both a working rowboat and stationary sailboats suggests a blend of commerce and leisure, while the modest townscape conveys a sense of ordinary community rather than grandiose narrative.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching with occasional roulette and burnishing, the work relies on fine line work and subtle shading to model depth. The artist’s use of delicate hatching creates a sketch‑like quality, while the selective burnishing highlights the sails, allowing them to catch light against the otherwise flat background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1775, the print reflects Ploos van Amstel’s engagement with printmaking during the late eighteenth century. It exemplifies his interest in documenting Dutch landscapes and urban settings, contributing to the period’s broader visual record of everyday scenery.