Artwork
The Waterhouse

The Waterhouse is a print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
In the background, there’s a big brick building with a tall chimney and smaller houses beyond it.
This etching shows a large, curved waterhouse with steps leading down to a canal. A person fishes in a small boat on the water. In the background, there’s a big brick building with a tall chimney and smaller houses beyond it.
The title at the bottom says *The Waterhouse*, and the artist signed it in 1665. The lines are precise, showing every brick and ripple in the water.
Next, look up Wenceslaus Hollar to see more of his detailed etchings.
Overview
The Waterhouse is an etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Bohemian artist who worked primarily in England. Created in 1665, it is a representative example of his skill in rendering detailed scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a curved waterhouse with steps leading to a canal, where a person fishes from a small boat. A large brick building with a tall chimney and smaller houses are visible in the background, suggesting an industrial or commercial setting.
Technique & Style
Hollar's precise lines capture the texture of every brick and the ripples in the water, demonstrating his technical proficiency. The work reflects his expertise in vedutas, or detailed representations of architectural or landscape scenes.
History & Provenance
The Waterhouse is dated and signed by the artist, confirming its creation in 1665. It is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.



















