Jongkind, Johan Barthold – Overschie bij maneschijn, 1871 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The canvas presents a nocturnal scene dominated by a muted palette of blues, greens, and grays. Here we see a low-lying landscape, likely coastal or riverine, bathed in the pale light of a crescent moon. The composition is structured around a central vertical element: a tall, dark tower that rises above the surrounding foliage and water. This structure, seemingly a church spire or similar landmark, anchors the scene and provides a sense of scale.
The artist depicted a small fishing boat moored close to the foreground edge. Its mast reaches upwards, creating a counterpoint to the tower’s verticality and drawing the viewers eye into the composition. The water reflects the moonlight and the diffused glow from the sky, producing shimmering patterns that suggest movement and depth.
The sky itself is rendered with loose brushstrokes, conveying a sense of atmospheric turbulence. Clouds obscure much of the celestial sphere, allowing only glimpses of the moon’s illumination. This creates an overall mood of quiet contemplation and perhaps even melancholy. The foliage on either side of the tower appears dense and dark, further emphasizing the isolation of the structure and contributing to the paintings somber atmosphere.
The application of paint is characteristic of a late 19th-century style; it’s loose and expressive, prioritizing capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere over precise detail. The brushwork is visible throughout, adding texture and dynamism to the surface.
Subtly, theres an implication of human presence – the boat suggests activity, but the scene feels deserted. This juxtaposition creates a sense of stillness and solitude, inviting reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature under the quiet gaze of the moon. The painting evokes a feeling of tranquility tinged with a certain wistfulness, suggesting a moment suspended in time.