Artwork

Landscape with a farm

Landscape with a farm, by Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder, oil, 1648
Landscape with a farm, by Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder, oil, 1648

Landscape with a farm is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Landscape with a farm is a 1648 oil painting by Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder, a Dutch Golden Age artist. The work depicts a serene rural scene, characterized by a prominent tree, a distant farm, and a figure with a dog by a stream.

Subject & Meaning

The painting's subject is a tranquil landscape with a farm in the background. A large tree dominates the left, while a smaller tree stands to its right. A stream in the foreground features a figure and dog on its right bank, inviting contemplation of everyday rural life.

Technique & Style

Vermeer employed a predominantly earthy palette with shades of green and brown, set against a lighter blue sky with scattered clouds. The use of chiaroscuro creates depth and dimensionality, with contrasts of light and dark guiding the viewer's focus towards the central figures.

History & Provenance

Created in 1648, the painting is part of the Dutch Golden Age movement. It is now housed in the Mauritshuis collection. Vermeer's style in this work is noted for its similarity to Jacob van Ruisdael's manner.

Context

As a Dutch Golden Age piece, Landscape with a farm reflects the era's emphasis on capturing the beauty of everyday Dutch landscapes. Vermeer's familial connections (father of Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Younger, brother of Isaac Vermeer) place him within a broader artistic family context.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of Landscape with a farm on the art world are not widely documented, it contributes to the broader legacy of Dutch Golden Age landscape painting, influencing subsequent generations of artists in capturing light, depth, and serene natural scenes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder

Artist

Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder

Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder (1628 in Haarlem – 1691 in Haarlem), was a Dutch Golden Age landscape painter and the father of Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Younger.

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.