Borssom, Anthonie van – Landschap bij maneschijn, 1640-1677 Rijksmuseum: part 2

The composition presents a nocturnal landscape dominated by a pervasive sense of quietude and mystery. A body of water occupies much of the foreground, its surface reflecting the diffused light emanating from behind the viewer. This reflection is not sharp or clear; instead, it appears as a shimmering distortion, contributing to the overall atmospheric effect.
Along the shoreline, a low fence runs horizontally across the lower portion of the canvas, establishing a sense of distance and separation between the observer and the scene. A solitary figure stands near this barrier, seemingly absorbed in contemplation of the surroundings. The scale relationship between the human form and the expansive landscape emphasizes the individuals smallness within the vastness of nature.
Several vessels are visible on the water, their silhouettes dark against the luminous backdrop. One prominent sailboat is positioned centrally, its mast reaching upwards towards the sky. This placement draws the eye and serves as a focal point within the composition. The masts of other boats appear further away, diminishing in size and detail with distance.
The light source itself remains obscured, but it casts an ethereal glow upon the scene, illuminating patches of water and highlighting the foliage along the distant shore. The sky is filled with swirling clouds, rendered in shades of grey and white, which contribute to the painting’s dramatic effect. The darkness that pervades much of the canvas creates a feeling of depth and suggests a world beyond what is immediately visible.
The artists use of chiaroscuro – the contrast between light and dark – is particularly striking. It not only establishes the nocturnal setting but also imbues the scene with an emotional weight, hinting at themes of solitude, introspection, and the sublime power of nature. The subdued palette reinforces this mood, creating a sense of stillness and tranquility that invites quiet contemplation.

The painting’s subtexts likely revolve around humanitys relationship to the natural world, exploring themes of isolation and wonder in the face of an immense and unknowable universe.