Ruisdael, Salomon van – The crossing on the ferry in the vicinity of Arnhem Hermitage ~ part 10

The composition presents a broad expanse of water, likely a river or estuary, dominating the central space. A ferry, laden with figures and livestock, traverses this waterway towards a distant cityscape. The scene is framed by a low-lying landscape on the left and an atmospheric sky above.
On the left side, a gently sloping bank supports a cluster of trees, their branches contorted in a manner suggesting exposure to prevailing winds. A small herd of cattle grazes peacefully near the waters edge, contributing to the pastoral quality of this area. The artist has rendered these elements with meticulous attention to detail, capturing the texture of the grass and the individual forms of the animals.
The ferry itself is positioned slightly off-center, drawing the viewer’s eye along its trajectory towards the urban backdrop. The figures aboard are depicted in a somewhat generalized manner, their identities subsumed by the collective activity of crossing the water. The inclusion of livestock further emphasizes the practical and economic function of this transportation method.
In the distance, a town or city rises from the flat terrain. A prominent church spire punctuates the skyline, serving as a visual anchor for the receding perspective. The buildings are rendered with less detail than the foreground elements, creating a sense of depth and atmospheric haze.
The sky occupies a significant portion of the canvas, exhibiting a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. Heavy clouds gather overhead, partially obscuring patches of blue sky that suggest an impending change in weather. This dynamic sky contributes to the overall mood of the painting, imbuing it with a sense of grandeur and transience.
The artist’s use of aerial perspective – the softening of details and desaturation of colors in the distance – effectively conveys the vastness of the landscape. The subdued palette, dominated by earthy tones and muted blues, reinforces the feeling of quiet contemplation. There is an underlying suggestion of human interaction with nature, a sense of everyday life unfolding within a larger, timeless setting.