Artwork
Landscape with Fisherman with a square Net

Landscape with Fisherman with a square Net is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Joris van der Haagen. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
The work, titled Landscape with Fisherman with a Square Net, presents a tranquil woodland scene centered on a pond. A fisherman in a brown coat draws a square, metallic net from the water, while a peddler and a seated woman rest beneath a large tree in the foreground. The composition conveys a still, early‑morning atmosphere, emphasizing quiet activity within a natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting juxtaposes labor and leisure: the fisherman’s focused effort contrasts with the idle figures of the peddler and the woman. The presence of a square net, an uncommon tool, may suggest a display of skill or status, hinting at the socioeconomic nuances of rural life. The tree’s sheltering canopy reinforces a sense of calm and protection within the landscape.
Technique & Style
Rendered with a muted palette, the artist employs fine brushwork to differentiate textures—the reflective metal of the net against the dark pond, the rough bark of the tree, and the soft fabrics of the figures. The use of light creates subtle highlights on the net’s wires, a detail that draws the eye and underscores the rarity of such material in the period.
Context
In the 17th century, fishing implements were typically fashioned from rope or twine; a wire net would have been costly and unusual. Its inclusion may reflect contemporary interest in technological advances or serve as a visual cue to the viewer about the fisherman’s prosperity. The scene aligns with Dutch landscape traditions that blend everyday activity with detailed natural observation.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Joris Abrahamsz. van der Haagen (c. 1615 – 23 May 1669 (buried)) was a Dutch Golden Age painter specialized in landscapes.

















