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Jacob van Ruisdael, 'The Shore at Egmond-aan-Zee', about 1675

About the work

Overview

The tide is ebbing at Egmond-aan-Zee, leaving a pattern of swirls in the still-wet sand. You can sense the outward sweep and undertow of the tide before the little waves tumble back towards the shore.

The people lingering on the beach aren't fishermen, like the silhouetted figures near the boats. They are middle-class people out for a stroll. The women’s hair is protected by hoods, their lacy overskirts tied back with ribbons; the men wear enormous brimmed hats, breeches and stockings. One young man whisks a woman up in his arms – he pretends to throw her into the waves and she kicks her feet in protest. His hat falls off and his hair flies as their dog leaps behind them.

These figures may be by Gerrit van Battem, who worked with Jacob van Ruisdael in the 1670s, sometimes adding figures to some of his landscapes. It was a common practice at the time for artists to collaborate in this way.

Key facts

Details

Full title
The Shore at Egmond-aan-Zee
Artist dates
1628/9? - 1682
Date made
about 1675
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
53.7 × 66.2 cm
Inscription summary
Signed
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1893
Inventory number
NG1390
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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