This charming 19th-century oil on canvas evokes the rustic atmosphere of a Dutch landscape from the 17th-century. The composition, distant light, and modest subject matter are reminiscent of the old masters such as Pieter de Molijn (1595-1661) and Salomon van Ruysdael (c.1600/1603-1670).

During the early 17th-century, there was a shift in Dutch landscape painting primarily due to increased demand from the middle classes. Buyers looked for scenes that celebrated their locality and included references to an idealised view of rural life. Italian landscapes from the same period often looked back to the days of antiquity whereas the Dutch preferred grounded depictions of an environment they recognised.

It’s plausible that this could be after a painting by a 17th-century artist - particularly Pieter de Molijn.

Housed within a wooden frame with a gold inner border. 

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 37” x 27” / 94cm x 69cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Condition: Craquelure but the paint layer is stable. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.