Dordrecht: Sunrise

This early morning scene, with its golden expanse of sky and water, is one of Cuyp’s most ambitious attempts to render light and atmosphere. The painting may ultimately reflect the influence of Claude Lorrain, whose landscapes impressed many Dutch artists. Cuyp depicts the port city of Dordrecht as seen from the north, looking across the river Merwede. Most prominent among the recognizable buildings is the Groote Kerk, the church on the horizon to the left of the large boat in the foreground.

Source: Art in The Frick Collection: Paintings, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1996.

Bertie-Bertie Greatheed (or Greathead), Guy’s Cliffe, Warwick (probably acquired about 1800). Lord Algernon Percy, Guy’s Cliffe. Knoedler. Frick, 1905.

Source: Paintings in The Frick Collection: American, British, Dutch, Flemish and German. Volume I. New York: The Frick Collection, 1968.