View of the Village of Well, on the River Meuse

Jan de Beijer studied in the studio of an artist specializing in portraits and city views. Under the influence of his master, he devoted himself mainly to topographical drawing throughout his career. During his trip on the banks of the Dutch Rhine, as Jan van Goyen did a century earlier, he painted many views of different villages.
Here, the aquatic panorama which serves as a backdrop offers all the qualities of a drawing made from nature. He faithfully reproduced the village of Well, identifiable by the spire of its church and the roofs of the houses, the effort of invention being reserved for river entertainment.
From the texts by Sandrine Le Bideau in the catalog Flemish and Dutch paintings—Collection of the Châteauroux museums (Peintures Flamande et Hollandaise—Collection des Musées de Châteauroux) Somogy-Editions d'Art.