View of the Amstel from the Blauwbrug, Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1645 - c. 1650

View of the Amstel from the Blauwbrug, Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1645 - c. 1650

pen and brown ink, with brown wash, on vellum; framing line in brown ink, h 132mm × w 231mm Catalogue entry

Rembrandt ventured not far from his house on the Jodenbreestraat and stood on the middle of the Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge). Facing south, he drew the expansive view of the River Amstel with great economy, while nevertheless conveying a profound sense of space and atmosphere. On the left bank is the yacht harbour, and on the right the tollhouse, where the overseer of the palisades marking the edge of town lived.

Catalogue entry