Artwork

Landscape with a Stream

Landscape with a Stream, by Jan van Goyen, oil, 1628
Landscape with a Stream, by Jan van Goyen, oil, 1628

Landscape with a Stream is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Goyen. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Landscape with a Stream, painted in 1628 by Dutch artist Jan van Goyen, is an oil painting depicting a peaceful natural scene. Characteristic of Van Goyen's diverse and prolific output, the work combines elements of landscape and everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a serene landscape with a stream, featuring a boat with two figures—a man in a red jacket and a woman in a blue dress—set amidst trees, bushes, and a distant bridge under a soft blue sky. The composition conveys a sense of tranquility.

Technique & Style

Van Goyen employed warm colors and soft brushstrokes to evoke calmness. Notable is the detailed rendering of light reflecting on water and the textured depiction of foliage, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing natural effects.

History & Provenance

Created during the Dutch Golden Age, Landscape with a Stream is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Goyen

Artist

Jan van Goyen

Jan Josephszoon van Goyen (Dutch pronunciation: ; 13 January 1596 – 27 April 1656) was a Dutch landscape painter.