Dutch landscape painters in the 17th century revolutionized the genre with innovative techniques and styles. Artists like Jacob van Ruisdael, Meindert Hobbema, and Aelbert Cuyp captured the beauty of Dutch countryside, creating atmospheric scenes that evoked emotion and awe.

These painters employed various techniques to achieve stunning effects. Impasto and glazing added texture and depth, while perspective and underpainting created realistic depth and harmonious color schemes. Their mastery of light and atmosphere set new standards for landscape painting.

Leading Dutch Landscape Painters

Jacob van Ruisdael and Meindert Hobbema

• Jacob van Ruisdael considered the greatest Dutch landscape painter of the 17th century
• Ruisdael known for his dramatic, atmospheric landscapes featuring rugged terrains, waterfalls, and dense forests (The Jewish Cemetery)
• Ruisdael's paintings often convey a sense of grandeur and emotional intensity through the use of strong contrasts and dramatic lighting
• Meindert Hobbema was a student and follower of Jacob van Ruisdael
• Hobbema's landscapes characterized by their tranquil, idyllic scenes with winding paths, rustic cottages, and meticulously rendered trees (The Avenue at Middelharnis)

Aelbert Cuyp and Jan van Goyen

• Aelbert Cuyp renowned for his luminous, golden-hued landscapes depicting pastoral scenes, often with cattle or horsemen (River Landscape with Horseman and Peasants)
• Cuyp's paintings showcase his mastery of light and atmosphere, creating a sense of serenity and harmony
• Jan van Goyen pioneered the tonal landscape style, which emphasized a limited color palette and a focus on the overall mood and atmosphere
• Van Goyen's landscapes frequently feature low horizons, vast skies, and a sense of spaciousness (View of Dordrecht from the Dordtse Kil)
• Van Goyen's works often depict the Dutch countryside, rivers, and coastal scenes with a muted, monochromatic color scheme

Salomon van Ruysdael and Hendrick Avercamp

• Salomon van Ruysdael, uncle of Jacob van Ruisdael, known for his river landscapes and marine scenes
• Salomon van Ruysdael's paintings often feature calm, reflective waters, river banks, and a soft, diffused light (River Landscape with Ferry)
• Hendrick Avercamp famous for his winter landscapes and ice scenes, capturing the lively atmosphere of Dutch winter activities
• Avercamp's paintings depict people engaging in various winter pursuits, such as ice skating, sledding, and playing kolf on frozen canals and rivers (Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters)
• Avercamp's works provide a vivid glimpse into the daily life and leisurely activities of the Dutch people during the winter months

Landscape Painting Techniques

Impasto and Glazing Techniques

• Impasto technique involves applying thick, textured layers of paint to the canvas, often using a palette knife or brush
• Impasto adds a three-dimensional, tactile quality to the painting, enhancing the sense of depth and physicality in the landscape
• Dutch landscape painters used impasto to create dynamic, expressive skies and to emphasize the rugged textures of rocks, trees, and foliage
• Glazing technique involves applying thin, transparent layers of paint over a dry, opaque underpainting
• Glazing allows for the creation of luminous, glowing effects and adds depth and richness to the colors in the landscape
• Dutch painters used glazing to achieve subtle color variations, atmospheric perspective, and to create a sense of light and atmosphere

Perspective and Underpainting Techniques

• Dutch landscape painters employed linear and aerial perspective to create a sense of depth and space in their compositions
• Linear perspective involves the use of converging lines and diminishing sizes of objects to create the illusion of distance (The Avenue at Middelharnis by Hobbema)
• Aerial perspective refers to the gradual lightening and bluing of distant elements in the landscape, simulating the effect of atmosphere and haze
• Underpainting technique involves creating a monochromatic or tonal foundation layer upon which the final colors are built
• Underpainting helps establish the basic composition, values, and forms of the landscape before applying the final layers of color
• Dutch painters used underpainting to create a cohesive and harmonious color scheme, ensuring a strong underlying structure for their landscapes