A River Landscape with Fishermen

The painting shows one of van Ruysdael's characteristic compositions. A river bank extends diagonally across the picture plane from the lower left corner, giving the illusion of spatial recession. A boat full of people, placed parallel to the picture plane, crosses the river.

Examination by infra-red reflectography has revealed extensive underdrawing in charcoal or black chalk beneath the trees, cottage and footbridge. The boat and figures were not drawn in at this stage.