Hailing from Utrecht, The Netherlands, Johannes Philippus Galjaard was an academy-trained landscape painter and architect.
When considering the works of Galjaard, one is reminded of Peter Paul Rubens and Thomas Gainsborough. Not necessarily in terms of style but with regard to the freedom they enjoyed when describing a view. Neither Rubens nor Gainsborough were considered ‘landscape painters’ in the first instance, as both were leading proponents in other genres - Rubens for his vigorous religious portrayals and Gainsborough for portraiture. Like them, Galjaard’s talent for landscapes was secondary - as he was first and foremost an architect. As such, it’s unlikely that his main income was derived from painting, despite his evident skill and, because of this, he could work without constraints.
In this charming piece from 1851, he’s captured a picturesque rural view with numerous points of interest. He enjoyed it here, sketching under the midday sun while surveying the various pockets of activity. As with several of his other works, he’s created a narrative by including interactions between the various figures. In the foreground, a male villager crouches to speak with a child while the boy’s mother stands alongside. Perhaps he’s a local shepherd. Another figure walks towards them with a backpack - pursued by his obedient dog.
Note the river with its homespun bridge and the cottage nestled into trees.
Galjaard painted for pleasure, imbuing his works with a liberating joie de vivre. He invites us to marvel at the delights of nature - just as he did over 170 years ago.
Exhibited
The Hague.
Timeline
1812
Born in Utrecht, The Netherlands, to Zacharias Galjaard and Anna Maria 'Mietje' Galjaard (nee Wagner).
1831-1835
Trained at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague.
1833
Shown in an exhibition of ‘Living Masters’ in The Hague.
1834
Awarded a medal following an exhibition in The Hague.
1835
Received an honourable mention following an exhibition in The Hague.
1842
Married Maria Catharina van Ommen in The Hague, Netherlands.
1855
Married Elisabeth Johanna Frederika Tissen in The Hague, Netherlands.
1867
Died in Utrecht, Netherlands.