Jan van der Hayden - An Architectural Fantasy [c.1665-70]

Dirck van Delen - An Architectural Fantasy [1634], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

This painting, signed on one of the stones to the left of the tree, is one of the most varied of van der Heyden's architectural fantasies. The dating to the late 1660s is confirmed by the costume of the figures, which may have been painted by Adiaen van de Velde (1636 - 1672). 

The architectural details appear to be largely imaginary, though they may incorporate features from real buildings. The classical stone gateway with its decoration of Corinthian pilasters, which is highlighted by the cloud formation in the sky, left of centre, may be intended as a reminiscence of one of the 17th-century gates of Amsterdam, although it does not resemble any of them closely. It is contrasted with the Gothic house of brick in the foreground and the dying tree. A new growth of trees and foliage covers the curved town wall on the right.

[Oil on oak, 51.8 x 64.5 cm]