A Woody Landscape
- Artist: Meindert Hobbema
- Date: about 1665
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "A Woody Landscape" by Meindert Hobbema. Painted in the Dutch tradition, it's a beautiful example of a woodland scene from the 17th century.
The atmosphere in this painting is one of peace and tranquility, with billowing clouds and dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. The figures are relaxed and leisurely, enjoying the beauty of nature. A fisherman sits quietly on the bank, while a woman stands idly in the cottage doorway, and others stroll along the track.
But despite this idyllic scene, there are subtle hints of the more destructive side to nature. Take a look at the tree stump in the foreground - it's been fractured recently by strong winds. And notice the broken branches scattered across the cart track - they've only just fallen.
Hobbema was known for his picturesque woodland scenes, often based on countryside near Amsterdam. His paintings present a positive and idealized view of country life, which appealed to his clients but didn't necessarily reflect reality. The figures in this painting are not hard at work making a living, but enjoying the beauty of nature.
This painting is an oil on wood from around 1665, a significant date for Hobbema's career. It's a wonderful example of Dutch landscape painting and a great opportunity to see how Hobbema captured the beauty of the natural world in his work.
See it in person
A Woody Landscape 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.
