Loading

A Wooded Landscape with Travelers on a Path through a Hamlet

Abraham Storck, Meindert Hobbemaabout 1665

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

A close look at this wooded landscape reveals two paths--one bathed in sunlight on the left, and one elevated and overcast in shadow on the right--occupied by a wide assortment of figures. Playful dogs, lumbering farm animals, and travelers on foot and horseback all crowd the meandering roads, lined with rosy brick cottages and gray wood barns. Powerful oak trees dominate the composition, casting the foreground into shadow, while a sun-drenched clearing in the distance draws the viewer into the scene.

In addition to the winding roads and animated figures, artist Meindert Hobbema, used thick applications of paint in combination with thin delineating brushstrokes to create a sense of energy and motion throughout the landscape. The lively, inventive view of nature and brooding palette of deep browns and grays in this painting are characteristic of Hobbema's landscapes; however, few of them are as cleverly organized and grandly executed as this wooded view.

Details

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Flash this QR Code to get the app
Google apps