VLIEGER, Simon de
(b. 1601, Rotterdam, d. 1653, Weesp)

Calm Estuary at Dawn

1630-35
Oil on panel, 39 x 59 cm
Private collection

This tranquil scene, with Dutch kaags cruising in a gentle breeze on an estuary in the early morning light, is an unusual departure from Simon de Vlieger's typical marine paintings. More commonly associated with the representation of open seas, depictions of inland waters by the artist are rare and only a few survive today.