The Avenue At Meerdervoort

Regarded as one of the finest landscape painters of the seventeenth century, Aelbert Cuyp began his career by painting tonal landscapes in the manner of Jan van Goyen.  

At the same time, he began to incorporate views of his native town of Dordrecht into his paintings.  

In The Avenue At Meerdervoort, the artist represents an evening view looking across the river Maas, with the castle of Meerdervoort on the left.  

There is a distant view of Dordrecht on the right with the Groote Kerk (Great Church). 

On the avenue a man in a red cloak is walking with his two horses, accompanied by a small dog.  

A cow is lying down while another is turning away.  

Behind the man in red is another man on horseback, and there is also a woman and two boys standing in the avenue. They are believed to be the sons of the family who lived in the castle.    

There are also two men fishing on the riverbank and overhead a flock of geese are returning home.  

The painting is drenched in an atmospheric golden light and is an unusual combination of urban view and rural landscape. 

Consider what feelings the atmosphere of this painting, perhaps sadness as the sun sets, relief to be returning home, or happiness at having reunited with old friends? Continue exploring this artwork here.