Artwork

Landscape near The Hague

Landscape near The Hague, by Jacob Maris, oil, 1896
Landscape near The Hague, by Jacob Maris, oil, 1896

Landscape near The Hague is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jacob Maris. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Landscape near The Hague, painted in 1896 by Jacob Maris, is a characteristic work of the Hague School, a 19th-century Dutch art movement. The oil painting captures a serene Dutch village scene, emphasizing light and atmosphere, hallmarks of Impressionist influence.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a tranquil village by water, with a solitary figure by a pond, a house under bare trees, and a flock of birds in a soft, pale sky. The composition conveys a sense of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to reflect on the everyday beauty of the Dutch countryside.

Technique & Style

Maris employed thick, visible brushstrokes, particularly in the sky and water, creating a textured, impasto effect that adds depth and a lively, though calm, atmosphere to the scene. This technique, while rough in appearance, maintains the overall serenity of the landscape.

History & Provenance

Jacob Maris, a prominent Hague School artist, trained under J.A.B. Stroebel before gaining recognition alongside his brothers. *Landscape near The Hague* is now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, highlighting its significance within Dutch art heritage.

Context

Created during the late 19th century, this work reflects the Impressionist emphasis on capturing light and mood, adapted through the distinctive lens of the Hague School, which often focused on humble, everyday Dutch landscapes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Maris

Artist

Jacob Maris

Jacob Henricus Maris (August 25, 1837 – August 7, 1899) was a Dutch painter, who with his brothers Willem and Matthijs belonged to what has come to be known as the Hague School of painters.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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