Artwork

Wooded Landscape with Abraham and Isaac

Wooded Landscape with Abraham and Isaac, by Jan Brueghel, the elder, oil, 1600
Wooded Landscape with Abraham and Isaac, by Jan Brueghel, the elder, oil, 1600

Wooded Landscape with Abraham and Isaac is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jan Brueghel, the elder. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Western Art.

About this work

Overview

Wooded Landscape with Abraham and Isaac is a 1600 oil painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder, a Flemish artist known for his landscapes and collaborations with Peter Paul Rubens. The work combines elements of landscape and history painting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a biblical scene: Abraham and Isaac journeying to the site of a sacrifice. The figures are set within a dense forest, surrounded by lush greenery and a distant mountain range, creating a serene atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Brueghel's use of oil paint captures the intricate details of the landscape, from the texture of trees and bushes to the cloudy sky and birds in flight. The work exemplifies his skill in rendering natural scenery and contributes to the Flemish Baroque style.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the National Museum of Western Art, a testament to its enduring significance. Created in 1600, it represents Brueghel's early 17th-century work, characteristic of his collaborations and innovations during this period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan Brueghel, the elder

Artist

Jan Brueghel, the elder

Jan Brueghel the Elder ( BROY-gəl, US also BROO-gəl; Dutch: ; 1568 – 13 January 1625) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman.