A view of the Grote Markt in Haarlem - Salomon Rombouts (1655 - 1702)

Oil on panel
Monogrammed and dated lower right


Dominating the scene is the the market place, the "Grote Markt", with the St. Bavo church and the town hall (Stadhuis) whose facade was made by Lieven de Key in the early 17th century.
The market square teems with life as a diverse range of people converges on this central hub. Peasants, identifiable by their simple attire, mingle with higher-ranking individuals distinguished by their more extravagant clothing. The meticulous attention to detail in Rombouts’ rendering allows viewers to discern the subtle nuances of everyday life playing out in the market.
Architectural elements come to life with intricate detailing, showcasing the charm of Haarlem's historic buildings. The St. Bavo Church, a majestic presence on the square, stands as a testament to the town's rich cultural and religious heritage. The town hall, with its facade designed by Lieven de Key, adds to the architectural splendor that defines the character of the Grote Markt.
The color palette Rombouts employs imbues the scene with a sense of timeless elegance. Shades of grey and brown dominate, grounding the composition in the earthy tones of the town's structures. Touches of light emanate from the diverse clothing of the market-goers, adding vibrancy to the tableau. Above, a blue and white clouded sky contributes to the overall atmosphere, capturing the essence of a Dutch day.
Salomon Rombouts was a Dutch Golden Age painter. He was the son and pupil of landscape painter Gillis Rombouts and worked in his style. He mainly produced landscapes with woods and architecture and beach scenes. Just like his father, Salomon's work was influenced by Jacob van Ruisdael.