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In Dutch homes, tiles typically served utilitarian purposes, such as covering the walls of kitchens, utility rooms, passageways, and fireplace surrounds. This large panel was conceived as a picture to be mounted on a wall. It shows a panoramic view of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port and still one of the world’s busiest. In this view by Cornelis Boumeister, a Rotterdam artist who specialized in large tile panels, fishing boats and trading vessels surround a large ocean-going galleon in the harbor. Wharves extend from the shore, each ending at a “weigh house” where goods were weighed to determine taxes. The skyline of the city is dominated by the Gothic tower of the cathedral of St. Laurens, one of the few structures that survived extensive bombing of the port during World War II.
View of Rotterdam
Signed by: Cornelis Boumeester (1652–1733)
Dutch
about 1700–20
Medium/Technique
Tin-glazed earthenware with underglaze blue decoration, modern mahogany frame
Dimensions
Overall: 50.8 x 88.9 cm (20 x 35 in.)
Framed: 71.4 x 94.8 x 3.2 cm (28 1/8 x 37 5/16 x 1 1/4 in.)
Framed: 71.4 x 94.8 x 3.2 cm (28 1/8 x 37 5/16 x 1 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Denise and Morton Joselson
Accession Number2005.1057
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsCeramics – Pottery – Earthenware
Tiles
Tiles
In Dutch homes, tiles typically served utilitarian purposes, such as covering the walls of kitchens, utility rooms, passageways, and fireplace surrounds. This large panel was conceived as a picture to be mounted on a wall. It shows a panoramic view of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port and still one of the world’s busiest. In this view by Cornelis Boumeister, a Rotterdam artist who specialized in large tile panels, fishing boats and trading vessels surround a large ocean-going galleon in the harbor. Wharves extend from the shore, each ending at a “weigh house” where goods were weighed to determine taxes. The skyline of the city is dominated by the Gothic tower of the cathedral of St. Laurens, one of the few structures that survived extensive bombing of the port during World War II.
DescriptionA tile painting, composed of 33 Delft tiles (including replacements) forming a view of the port of Rotterdam. Set in a modern mahogany frame, with gilded inscription on bottom border.
Signed
Signed with monogram in lower right corner: "C : BM"
Inscriptions"Gesicht op de Stadt / Rotterdam" on bottom rail of the frame
ProvenanceHenry Freudmann (b. 1886 - d. 1952) and Nora Freudmann (b. 1888 - d. 1948), Antwerp and New York [see note 1]; by descent from the Freudmanns to their daughter, Denise Joselson, Rye, NY; 2005, gift of Denise and Morton Joselson to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 25, 2006)
NOTES:
[1] Mrs. Joselson's parents, Henry and Nora Freudmann, acquired six pieces of Dutch Delftware (MFA accession nos. 2005.1057 - 2005.1060) in Belgium and the U.S.; some pieces may also have been inherited from Mrs. Freudmann's parents.
NOTES:
[1] Mrs. Joselson's parents, Henry and Nora Freudmann, acquired six pieces of Dutch Delftware (MFA accession nos. 2005.1057 - 2005.1060) in Belgium and the U.S.; some pieces may also have been inherited from Mrs. Freudmann's parents.