Canal with a Boat and Ducks

Anthonie van Borssom

17th century · Pen and brown ink, brush and brown and blue washes · Drawings and Prints

In the tranquil waters of a canal framed by wildly vegetated banks, two little boats are moored near a shed—a record of the Dutch rural landscape. For Van Borssom, a prolific draftsman, painter, and printmaker, the local countryside formed a prime source of inspiration. The vigorous pen and ink lines with which foliage and shrubbery are rendered show the influence of Rembrandt’s renowned landscape etchings. The cool green and blue watercolors, typical of Van Borssom’s palette, complement the expressive penwork and reinforce the stillness of the scene.

Artist

Anthonie van Borssom

Date

17th century

Medium

Pen and brown ink, brush and brown and blue washes

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

From the Collection of Rita and Frits Markus, Bequest of Rita Markus, 2005