text: Seen from the water&#39;s edge, a canal in the foreground curves to the right and back into space. In the ditant view, buildings with balconies and chimney pots are visible as well as a bridge that is cropped by the curve of the waterway. In the foreground, across the canal, are several arched entryways. A dark waterdoor is open and shows a man on the steps and two shadowy figures behind him framed in the doorway; a lantern hangs overhead. To the right, another arched doorway with a metal grille above faces the canal, but is closed. A small open window on the seond floor can be seen between the arched doors.