&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
A dynamic view of a city by the water
Oak
panel, 35.5 × 57 cm – 14 × 22 7/16 in. The reverse
bears sales and inventory numbers, as well as two collector’s stamps in red wax/specify labels.
Frans de Hulst, a Dutch painter specialising in landscape painting, was born in Haarlem, where he spent most of his career. His early works reveal a stylistic affinity with those of Salomon van Ruysdael (1602–1670), suggesting that he may have been trained in his studio or under his direct influence. However, there are no documentary sources to confirm this hypothesis. In 1631, Frans de Hulst was admitted to the Guild of Saint Luke in Haarlem. He subsequently held important positions there, being appointed secretary of the guild in 1642.
In this composition, he distinguishes himself through his mastery of depicting atmospheric effects, as well as his faithful rendering of the buildings found in the Netherlands at that time. His work is characterised primarily by landscapes of dunes or rivers, often enlivened by fortified towers and modest structures. In terms of their atmosphere and composition, several of his paintings can be compared to those of Jan van Goyen.