Unique Features and Painting Techniques of Dutch Landscapes
Dutch artists developed an immense interest in landscape painting in the 17th century, giving rise to the distinct genre of Dutch landscapes. It used to be one of the favorite themes in the creative portfolio of most Dutch painters of the period, currently associated with the Dutch Golden Age. The most famous artists who created impressive landscapes in that historical period were Jacob Isaackszoon van Ruisdael, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens, and Rembrandt van Rijn, among others.
What features distinguish this type of landscape? What did Dutch painters introduce in the landscape painting tradition that would make it so distinguished? Here is a beginner’s introduction.
Unique Features of Dutch Landscapes
Art experts agree that Dutch landscapes represent a unique visual tradition that fuses the physical and cultural environment of the Netherlands of those times. Their main features are as follows.
A New Look at the Everyday Scenery
While Italian landscape painters were known for idealistic, overly bright canvases, Dutch landscape paintings were distinguished by familiar, even casual scenes from the everyday lives of local people.
Atmospheric and Realistic Paintings
17th-century Dutch painters implemented atmospheric realism by depicting the nuances of light and atmosphere in their landscapes. They achieved such effects with the help of clouds, reflections, and skillful color gradation, thus creating an impression of the dynamic natural scene.
Low Horizon Lines
Many Dutch painters gave an extensive part of the canvas to sky depiction. Thus, the sky dominates the visual narrative in most paintings, symbolizing the decisive impact of weather conditions on the success of maritime and agricultural activities of the Dutch people.
Human-Nature Interactions
It is typical to see scenes of human activities in natural settings, with humans trying to gain control over nature. These elements are seen in the farming scenes, scenes of the construction and use of windmills and ships, and images of dikes.
Detailed and Symbolic
You’ll find meticulously painted water and grass textures, trees, and detailed buildings in the work of Dutch landscape painters. Along with highly detailed images resulting from careful observation, artists added symbolism to their imagery, such as the motifs of transience, faith, and struggles against natural forces.
As you can see, there’s much in the Dutch landscape painting tradition that distinguishes these works from those created in other countries and historical periods. Study the most famous landscapes online or in your local museum to find these distinguishing traits and appreciate their unique effect on the viewer.