Artwork

Landscape with Joseph and his brethren

Landscape with Joseph and his brethren, by Herman van Swanevelt, oil, 1635
Landscape with Joseph and his brethren, by Herman van Swanevelt, oil, 1635

Landscape with Joseph and his brethren is an oil painting by Herman van Swanevelt. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

The painting is done in a realistic style, with attention to detail in the depiction of the figures and the landscape.

This painting shows a landscape with a group of people gathered around a man in the center. The scene is set in a hilly area with trees and mountains in the background. The people are dressed in simple clothing and appear to be engaged in conversation.

The painting is done in a realistic style, with attention to detail in the depiction of the figures and the landscape. The use of color is muted, with earth tones dominating the palette.

The artist, Herman van Swanevelt, was a Dutch painter who was active in the 17th century. His work is characterized by its attention to detail and its use of realistic depictions of landscapes and figures. To learn more about his technique, look up "chiaroscuro".

Overview

Landscape with Joseph and his Brethren is a 1635 oil painting by Dutch artist Herman van Swanevelt, housed at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a scene from the biblical story of Joseph, with the central figure surrounded by his brethren in a conversational gathering, set amidst a hilly landscape with trees and distant mountains.

Technique & Style

Executed in a realistic style, the work features meticulous attention to detail in both figures and landscape. The color palette is subdued, predominantly consisting of earth tones.

History & Provenance

Created in 1635, the painting is part of the collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Herman van Swanevelt, the artist, was a 17th-century Dutch painter known for his detailed and realistic renderings of landscapes and figures.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Herman van Swanevelt

Artist

Herman van Swanevelt

Herman van Swanevelt (1603–1655) was a Dutch artist, born in Woerden.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Fitzwilliam Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.