GOYEN, Jan van
(b. 1596, Leiden, d. 1656, Den Haag)

Village at the River

1636
Wood, 39,5 x 60 cm
Alte Pinakothek, Munich

During the course of the 1630s van Goyen became the leading master of the tonal phase. His technique grew bolder and more vivacious, the space opened up, and atmosphere predominated. Water begins to play a more important role. This picture shows the characteristics of the thirties, and an all-over airiness that grows in transparency towards the far distance, with its brightened horizon.