Artwork
The Water Reservoirs, the so-called Bends, in Belgrade Forest
The Water Reservoirs, the so-called Bends, in Belgrade Forest is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Christian Vollerdt. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Johann Christian Vollerdt’s oil painting, dated around 1750, portrays the so‑called Bends—water reservoirs situated within the Belgrade Forest. Executed in a modest size, the work captures a tranquil park scene where water descends a series of steps into a central pond, framed by a stone‑and‑wood bridge and scattered foliage.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on everyday leisure: a small boat drifts on the pond, while figures are shown fishing, strolling, or seated along the banks. A solitary tree and the gently curving watercourse suggest a harmonious relationship between nature and human recreation within the forested landscape.
Technique & Style
Vollerdt employs fine brushwork to render delicate details such as the rippling water, individual leaves, and the texture of the bridge. The palette is dominated by muted greens and soft sky tones, creating a calm atmosphere through subtle gradations and careful handling of light.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it has been held since its acquisition by the Dutch national institution. Its attribution to Vollerdt, a mid‑eighteenth‑century artist, is based on stylistic analysis and documentation linking the work to his known oeuvre.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Christian Vollerdt (1708–1769) was an artist, born in Leipzig.
