River Landscape

Ruysdael's "River Landscape" is a study in tranquillity. At the left, a vessel sets out from the estuary, the sails balancing the group of buildings on the bank at the right. Sweeping, horizontal brush strokes unite the river currents with the horizon; continuing upwards, they are slowly transformed into the diagonals of the rising clouds. Ruysdael's river scene provides an interesting contrast with the more energetic painting by his nephew and pupil Jacob van Ruisdael, which is also exhibited in this gallery.