A fine early 19th-century oil on canvas depicting two figures and several animals resting in an idealised landscape. The artist was a follower of Jan Van de Bent (1650-1690) who worked during the golden age of Dutch art. Van Der Bent was particularly adept at creating landscapes imbued with atmosphere and rural splendour.

Artists working in this manner would often combine elements from their own natural world with fictional components from their imagination. It was also common to use trees as a framing element - to help guide the eye. Note how the large trees on either side help us to navigate the scene - they push us towards the distant mountains.

This splendid painting is a celebration of the natural world and it still brings a moment of calm as it originally sought to achieve. It’s housed within an exquisite 19th-century scroll and foliate gilded frame with ornate corner ornamentation.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 28½” x 22” / 72cm x 56cm
Year of creation: c. 1830
Condition: Craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear. Overall very presentable.