The Pieterskerk in Leiden

In their sheer abundance and variety, Van Vliet’s paintings of church interiors create the impression of a commercial enterprise. This was nothing new in the world of Dutch art but it was new to the genre in Delft. Van Vliet’s production was consistent and systematic. His constant search for new views in the churches of Delft, his trips to other towns and his use of standard schemes indicate work for the open market.

The paintings shows a view of the interior in the Pieterskerk in Leiden from the northern transept to the southwest. This is the earliest known dated architectural painting by Van Vliet. It employs Houckgeest’s type of oblique perspective scheme, and an illusionistic archway and curtain.