View of the Tomb of William the Silent in the New Church in Delft

interior

De Witte began his career as a figure painter but later he decided to specialise in church interiors. However, even in this genre he continued to exhibit a remarkable interest in the human figure. Here he painted men, women, and children in the vicinity of the impressive tomb of William the Silent.

Loading map…

View of the Tomb of William the Silent in the New Church in Delft

About the Artist

Emanuel de Witte

1617 – 1692

Dutch painter, active in his native Alkmaar, then in Rotterdam (by 1639), Delft (by 1641), and Amsterdam (by 1652). His range was wide, including history paintings, genre scenes (notably of markets) and portraits, but after he settled in Amsterdam he concentrated on architectural paintings (primarily church interiors, both real and imaginary ). His paintings are very different in spirit from the sober views of most Dutch architectural specialists, making powerful use of the dramatic play of light and shadow in the lofty interiors. His life was unhappy (he was constantly in debt) and when his body was found in an Amsterdam canal it was suspected that he had committed suicide.

View all works →