Artwork

Landscape (after Paul Bril)

Landscape (after Paul Bril), by Herman van Swanevelt, ink, 1628
Landscape (after Paul Bril), by Herman van Swanevelt, ink, 1628

Landscape (after Paul Bril) is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Herman van Swanevelt. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Landscape (after Paul Bril) is a drawing by Herman van Swanevelt, dated to 1628, executed in pen and brown ink with brown and gray wash on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a rocky hillside with a small bridge, scattered trees, and bushes, rendered in a simplified manner, suggesting a focus on capturing the overall scene rather than detailed representation.

Technique & Style

Characterized by uneven lines, loose scribbles for foliage, and visible paper texture, the work indicates a rapid execution, potentially as a study or copy, with the use of gray wash to suggest shading.

History & Provenance

Created in 1628, the drawing shows signs of aging, including frayed paper edges and faded ink in spots, reflecting its historical provenance and material degradation over time.

Context

The piece is noted to be 'after Paul Bril', implying it is either a copy of or inspired by a work by the Flemish landscape artist Paul Bril, situating it within a tradition of European landscape drawing.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Herman van Swanevelt

Artist

Herman van Swanevelt

Herman van Swanevelt (1603–1655) was a Dutch artist, born in Woerden.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.