Artwork
Dunes near Haarlem
Dunes near Haarlem is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Kessel the Elder. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Dunes near Haarlem is a 17th-century oil painting by Jan van Kessel the Elder, a Flemish artist known for his work in various genres.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene landscape featuring rolling dunes, plowed fields, and a distant church tower, likely the Bloemendaal church, alongside a bleachfield.
Technique & Style
Van Kessel's use of oil paint creates a three-dimensional effect through his attention to light and shadow, with thick brushstrokes, particularly in the clouds, adding texture to the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1670, the painting is now part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art's collection, reflecting its association with the Dutch Golden Age.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan van Kessel the Elder or Jan van Kessel (I) (baptized 5 April 1626, Antwerp – 17 April 1679, Antwerp) was a Flemish painter active in Antwerp in the mid-17th century.
