Polder landscape, Jan van Goyen, 1644 oil on panel, h 22cm × w 33.2cm.
A characteristic feature of the Dutch landscape is the vast lowlands, as painted here by Jan van Goyen. Much of the land consists of polders. Within these areas surrounded by dykes, the water level is regulated by windmills. Schiphol Airport is also located in such a polder, about four metres below sea level. Until it was drained in the 19th century, this was the site of Haarlemmermeer.
Discover more Old Masters in the following collections: