The House with the Little Tower Seen from the Northeast

This landscape drawing features a wide expanse of water running on a diagonal which divides the composition in thirds. On the left, a large estate in the mid-distance peeks out above the trees. The distinctive tower with a rounded cupola and adjacent building with a pointed roof, gable, and chimneys help to identify the grand property as that of Jan Uytenbogaert, tax collector-general of the Netherlands along the Schinkel River. Adriaen portrayed the estate from the east along the road to Amstelveen. The mirror smooth water reflecting the trees and buildings lends a serene stillness to the depiction. On the right bank, resting sheep and farm houses create an overall harmonious balance. Dropping the viewer's vantage point to such a degree, we are seemingly invited to join the sheep's perception of this idyllic world. This fully resolved, detailed drawing has been squared for transfer, suggesting it was made in preparation for a painting.