Jacob Isaackszoon Van Ruisdael

Place: Haarlem

Born: 1628

Death: 1682

Biography:

Early Life and Career

, a prominent Dutch painter, draughtsman, and etcher, was born in 1628 in the Netherlands. He is widely regarded as the pre-eminent landscape painter of the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by great wealth and cultural achievement.

Artistic Style and Contributions

Van Ruisdael's work is characterized by its versatility and prolific nature, depicting a wide variety of landscape subjects. From 1646, he painted remarkable Dutch countryside scenes, which later took on a more heroic character after his trip to Germany in 1650. His late work, produced while living and working in Amsterdam, featured city panoramas and seascapes, often with the sky occupying two-thirds of the canvas.

• Waterfall in a Rocky and Mountainous Landscape, showcasing his mastery of light and composition.
• View of Haarlem with Bleaching Grounds, exemplifying his ability to capture the essence of the Dutch landscape.
• View of the Dam and the Damrak in Amsterdam, highlighting his skill in cityscape painting.

Museums and Collections

Van Ruisdael's work is spread across private and institutional collections worldwide, with notable holdings at:

• The National Gallery in London
• The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
• The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg

Influence and Legacy

Van Ruisdael's influence on landscape painting traditions is profound, shaping the English Romantics, the Barbizon school in France, and the Hudson River School in the US. He also inspired generations of Dutch landscape artists. Notable Works:

• View of Haarlem with Bleaching Grounds
• Waterfall in a Rocky and Mountainous Landscape
• View of the Dam and the Damrak in Amsterdam