Cottage beside a Canal
1645
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a quiet scene of a small house by a canal. Twisted trees lean over the roof, and a fence runs along the water’s edge. In the distance, a church tower and a few boats dot the horizon. The artist used quick, scratchy lines to show light and shadow—almost like scribbling with a pen. This was a common way to make prints back then. Next, check out how artists used the technique: etching.
![View of Houtewael near the Sint Anthoniespoort [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/2919925de9060e70/thumb.webp)
