A View of The Hague from the Northwest 1647

Jan van Goyen painted this view of The Hague from the Northwest with oil on wood, capturing not just a place but a moment in Dutch history. Painted in the first half of the 17th century, this landscape reflects the burgeoning sense of national identity in the Netherlands. Van Goyen's choice to depict The Hague, the political center of the Dutch Republic, emphasizes the importance of civic life. The low horizon and expansive sky—almost two-thirds of the painting— mirror the geography of the region. Note how the figures are painted as common folk. This was no accident. It was made for the free market, to be sold to the rising Dutch middle class. To truly understand Van Goyen, consult historical maps, city records, and period literature. Only then can we appreciate how art like this reflects and shapes a nation's sense of itself.