Artwork
The rest in the deciduous forest
The rest in the deciduous forest is a paint painting by the Barbizon school artist Abraham Govaerts. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
The rest in the deciduous forest is a copper painting created by Abraham Govaerts, a Flemish artist, around 1617. It depicts a serene forest scene and is now held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a group of people resting in a forest, surrounded by trees and a deer in the background. The scene conveys a sense of tranquility, with the group gathered around a fire, suggesting a pause in their journey.
Technique & Style
Govaerts' use of chiaroscuro creates depth and dimensionality in the painting, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. His style is reminiscent of Jan Brueghel the Elder and Gillis van Coninxloo, with whom he shared a specialization in small forest landscapes.
History & Provenance
Although associated with the Barbizon school movement in its collection, the painting predates the movement, which emerged in the 19th century. Govaerts often collaborated with other artists who added figures, animals, or still life elements to his landscapes.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Abraham Govaerts (1589 – 9 September 1626) was a Flemish painter who specialized in small cabinet-sized forest landscapes in the manner of Jan Brueghel the Elder and Gillis van Coninxloo.
