A Ruined Castle Gateway
- Artist: Jacob van Ruisdael
- Date: about 1650-5
- Medium: oil on wood, later mounted on board
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the "A Ruined Castle Gateway" by Jacob van Ruisdael. Painted in the Dutch landscape tradition of the 17th century, it's a masterpiece that showcases van Ruisdael's unique vision of the natural world. Notice how the turbulent sky above contrasts with the eerie atmosphere within the ruined castle gates.
The little girl and her owner seem hesitant to enter this mysterious place, while the dog appears unwilling to follow them in. Meanwhile, a shadowy figure lurks in the depths of the ruin, adding an air of foreboding to the scene.
Van Ruisdael's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing us into the heart of this abandoned castle. The crumbling plaster and brickwork are thickly applied, while the vaulted ceiling is rendered in incredible detail.
Interestingly, some art historians believe that the ruined castle depicted here may be based on real-life architecture - specifically, the ruins of Huis der Kleef just outside Haarlem, which was destroyed during the Dutch war for independence from Spain. However, van Ruisdael's own title and early descriptions suggest that this may not have been a direct representation after all.
As we stand before "A Ruined Castle Gateway", we're invited to imagine ourselves entering this foreboding place, with all its secrets and mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
See it in person
A Ruined Castle Gateway hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
