Artwork

Baumlandschaft mit Entenjagd

Baumlandschaft mit Entenjagd, by Jan van Kessel the Elder, unspecified, 1661
Baumlandschaft mit Entenjagd, by Jan van Kessel the Elder, unspecified, 1661

Baumlandschaft mit Entenjagd is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Kessel the Elder. It dates from 1661 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Baumlandschaft mit Entenjagd is a 1661 painting by Jan van Kessel the Elder, situated within the Dutch Golden Age landscape tradition. The work captures a somber, wooded landscape with a duck hunting scene, showcasing the artist's proficiency in depicting animals and everyday activities.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a serene yet tense forest atmosphere, with twisted trees, a stream, and a distant, faintly visible tower. A solitary figure by the water underscores the sense of solitude, while the overall mood suggests a moment of stillness, as if the forest is paused in anticipation.

Technique & Style

Van Kessel employs chiaroscuro, juxtaposing deep shadows with soft, barely penetrating light, to create a dramatic and contemplative ambiance. This technique, characteristic of the period, enhances the emotional depth of the scene, drawing the viewer into the forest's hushed, stormy world.

History & Provenance

Created in 1661, Baumlandschaft mit Entenjagd reflects Van Kessel's diverse artistic influences, including his grandfather Jan Brueghel the Elder and Flemish predecessors like Daniel Seghers. The painting is currently part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection.

Context

As part of the Dutch Golden Age, this work contributes to the era's emphasis on landscape painting, with Van Kessel's unique blend of animal and genre elements. The piece sits alongside the works of his influences, blending Flemish traditions with Dutch Golden Age sensibilities.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of Baumlandschaft mit Entenjagd are not highlighted, its inclusion in the Alte Pinakothek and its representation of Van Kessel's skill in multiple genres contribute to the broader appreciation of 17th-century European landscape and animal painting traditions.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Kessel the Elder

Artist

Jan van Kessel the Elder

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.