Artwork
Italian landscape with ruins
Italian landscape with ruins is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Italian landscape with ruins is a small-scale oil painting created by Cornelius van Poelenburgh around 1640. It is a characteristic example of the artist's work, featuring an Italianate scene with figures and a serene atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a tranquil landscape with ancient ruins in the background, inhabited by people and animals in the foreground. The scene is set in a hilly area with trees and bushes, evoking a sense of calm.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth and volume. This technique is evident in the way light falls on the ruins and figures, adding drama to the scene.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Dutch Golden Age and is now held in the National Museum in Warsaw. It exemplifies the work of Cornelius van Poelenburgh, a Dutch landscape painter active in Rome in the early 17th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis van Poelenburgh or Cornelis van Poelenburch (1594 – 12 August 1667), was a Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman.
Landschaft mit Brücke
Mountain landscape
Landschaft mit Merkur und Argus
Landscape with staffage
River Landscape with Mountains
River landscape with resting shepherds and herds
A herdsman's hut
Ideal landscape
Italienische Landschaft
Landscape from Civitella near Olevano
Landscape
Italian landscape with ancient ruins and peasants