Abraham Storck (Amsterdam 1644-1708)Ships On The River Editorial Image

Ships on the River IJ in front of the Tollhouse near AmsterdamIn this painting Abraham Storck conveys the commotion of the arriving and departing travellers, around the Tollhouse, on the north side of the River IJ near Amsterdam. The Tollhouse was built on the southern point of the so-called Volewijk in 1662. A large number of boats are depicted on the river. Streams of sunlight and shadow alternate on the water and the vessels. The cloudbanks and the waves create a dynamic effect and indicate a moderate wind. In the foreground Storck depicts two rowing boats which are busy transporting people from the Amsterdam quay to the Tollhouse. The vessel, on the right, is occupied by three women who are rowing several passengers across the river. The Haringpakkerij (Herring factory) and the Nieuwe Stadsherberg (New City Inn) are visible between the ships. These are the destination of the little boat. This inn, which also opened in 1662, was situated near the Haringpakkerij opposite the Martelaarsgrachts on the Amsterdam side of the water. On the right, in the background, a merchant ship is hove-to flying the Dutch flag. The silhouette of Amsterdam can be seen, in the distance, on the right.