Who painted Hooiwagen?

Hooiwagen was painted by Gillis Mostaert in 1574.

Where can I see Hooiwagen?

Hooiwagen is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Hooiwagen?

Hooiwagen is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Hooiwagen

Gillis Mostaert , 1574

Hooiwagen is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Gillis Mostaert. It dates from 1574 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Gillis Mostaert the Elder painted *Hooiwagen* in 1574 while working in Antwerp. Executed in oil on canvas, the work belongs to the Flemish Baroque tradition and is now held by the Rijksmuseum. The composition presents a bustling crowd in a rural landscape, their vivid attire contrasting with a cloudy sky and distant hills, creating a scene of palpable unrest.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas depicts a large assembly of figures caught in a moment of confusion. Some individuals flee, others stand or sit, while a man in a bright red coat dominates the foreground. A rider on horseback appears in the distance, adding depth to the chaotic tableau. The overall atmosphere suggests panic or disorder within an otherwise ordinary setting.

Technique & Style

Mostert employs the oil medium to achieve rich coloration and subtle tonal variations, characteristic of Flemish Baroque painting. His handling of light and shadow conveys the cloudy sky and the movement of the crowd, while the detailed rendering of clothing reflects his skill in genre scenes. The composition balances a broad landscape backdrop with tightly focused figures.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Rijksmuseum collection, where it remains accessible for study of Flemish Renaissance art and its transition into Baroque aesthetics.

Created during the latter half of the 16th century, *Hooiwagen* reflects Mostert’s versatility across landscape, genre, and historical subjects. Though primarily known for winter scenes with firelight, this work demonstrates his interest in dynamic human narratives. The painting entered the Rijksmuseum collection, where it remains accessible for study of Flemish Renaissance art and its transition into Baroque aesthetics.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gillis Mostaert

Gillis Mostaert the Elder (27 or 28 November 1528 – 28 December 1598) was a Flemish Renaissance painter and draughtsman active in Antwerp in the second half of the 16th century.