Dordrecht is one of the most painted cities in our country. In the 19th century, the city of Aelbert Cuyp was known as "the Venice of the North" and, according to Johan Barthold Jongkind, was the most beautiful city in Holland. Over the centuries, famous masters such as Cuyp, Van Goyen, Turner, Schotel, Schelfhout, Whistler, Daubigny, Van Gogh, Witsen and Van Dongen were inspired by the beauty of the city by the water. The French impressionist Eugène Boudin even described Dordrecht in 1884 as "a veritable artists' colony.
The location of Dordrecht is unique. The city is an island surrounded by rivers: extremely picturesque and recognizable by the unfinished, stubby tower of the Grote Kerk. The historical importance of Holland's oldest city and its reputation as the birthplace of Cuyp have equally contributed to its great appeal to numerous domestic and foreign artists.
The exhibition Schilderachtig Dordrecht (Picturesque Dordrecht) will for the first time present a broad overview of views of and in Dordrecht. Many famous domestic and foreign artists who depicted the city will soon be on display: Van Goyen, Willaerts, Jongkind, Boudin, Van Dongen, Daubigny, Jacob Maris, Witsen, Van Strij and Schotel. Schilderachtig Dordrecht is a surprising overview of views of, in and near Dordrecht through the centuries.
