Getty Museum

A Horse Rider Talking to a Man at an Inn

Date

about 1630

Medium

Pen and brown ink and translucent and opaque watercolor over graphite, on laid paper

Culture

Dutch

Department

Drawings

Institution

Getty Museum

Object ID

c98b3046-ed97-45cf-a586-955bc18841ed

Avercamp depicted a summer's evening along the banks of a river. In the foreground, a rider with his horse faces a man. Just behind them stands a humble inn, with its shutters open to let in fresh air. Using a low horizon line, Avercamp created a vibrant and multi-hued sky, contrasting blues with streaks of red and yellow. He peppered the river with ducks and boats, including a crowded cable ferry crossing to the opposite shore. A charming view of everyday life, the drawing demonstrates Avercamp's keen observations of people along the river and the water's edge. His characteristic bold outlines describe the humble figures and setting with a practiced and careful simplicity that is further enhanced by the application of bright colors to enliven the atmosphere. The layering of watercolor, and the prominent placement of the artist's monogram, indicates that this sheet was a complete and independent work of art.

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