Overschie in the Moonlight, Johan Jongkind

  Traveling, many years ago, I can to realize art museums contain vast numbers of wonderful art works created by excellent people who never made it into my college texts.  So, meet Johan Barthold Jongkind (1819-1891).  Title of this painting is Overschie in the Moonlight.  It is an oil on canvas completed in 1871,  measuring 8.6" x 10.8".  This small work is in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. 
   Jongkind was Dutch but spent most of his adult life in Paris, where this painting was made.  He traveled home to Netherlands often making sketches for later work.  Overschie was a small community at the intersection of four rivers back before 1871, today it is a neighborhood of Rotterdam.  In the distance we can see the Overschie church tower, a structure still in existence.
  Jongkind is considered a forerunner of Impressionism and Monet was greatly influenced by him.  Jongkind worked in his studio from earlier watercolors and sketches while Monet learned from his master, but then went outdoors to paint on site, and that made quite a difference.
  But this painting is particularly appealing.  A half moon reflects onto the water below, the church tower and the boat are clearly visible, while other objects are suggested but not as clear in the dimness of the night.  I believe this painting is about atmosphere, the quiet humid evening by the river.   So, what is your opinion?
  Make Art a part of your day, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. charguthFebruary 3, 2020 at 12:48 PM

    My first thought was that this was a dark, dismal and ominous setting; black clouds looking like industrial steam. But when I followed the moon's reflections and noted the other objects in the picture around the ship and church, I realized it was a quiet and interesting landscape. The ochre and lavender tints actually give it warmth. I always admire the loose brush strokes of the impressionists. Why does he not receive as much acclaim as Monet?? It must be more difficult achieving this atmosphere in a studio. But he makes us feel it. The composition carries the eye. I like it.

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