Johan Barthold Jongkind, Dutch (active The Hague, Paris, and Rotterdam), 1819-1891 – The Artist’s House, Maassluis Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a domestic scene centered around a substantial dwelling and its immediate surroundings. The structure itself is characterized by multiple windows arranged in a symmetrical pattern on its upper floors, suggesting a certain formality or civic importance. Its roofline is complex, with several gabled sections covered in red tiles that contrast with the muted tones of the building’s facade. Adjacent to this central house are smaller structures, their forms less defined and integrated more organically into the surrounding foliage.
A small bridge spans a body of water, which occupies a significant portion of the lower half of the canvas. The surface of the water reflects the sky and the buildings, creating a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. Several ducks swim in the water, adding a touch of natural life to the scene. A lone figure is visible in a small boat near the foreground; their posture suggests quiet observation or contemplation.
The artist’s handling of paint contributes significantly to the overall mood. The application appears loose and somewhat impressionistic, with visible brushstrokes that capture the play of light and shadow on the buildings and water. Colors are generally subdued – grays, greens, browns, and muted yellows dominate – though punctuated by the vibrant red of the roof tiles. A pale sky is suggested at the top of the canvas, hinting at a diffused light source.
The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and intimacy. The composition suggests a place of refuge or retreat, removed from the bustle of urban life. The presence of the water and the natural elements – the trees, ducks, and sky – imply a connection to nature and a slower pace of existence. The solitary figure in the boat reinforces this feeling of quiet contemplation and personal reflection. There is an underlying sense of nostalgia or longing for a simpler time embedded within the depiction of this domestic setting.