Landscape

587
Landscape
after 1650
Aelbert Cuyp

The landscape stretches into the far distance with little hills and valleys through which winds a river. The most distant hills merge into the clouds. The painting achieves a feeling of endless space. It is almost without people, a single shepherd makes a small spot in the middle distance.

Two cows and three sheep are shown in the foreground in the simplest manner, with almost no detail, as if they were part of nature. The foliage is the most outstanding detail of the picture, the tall tree on the right against a pale blue sky, is shown in most detail. Sailing ships can be made out in the tonal mist far up the river and the outlines of a town. Daylight is suggested by a precise positioning of colour in the quiet countryside.