Landscape with Two Donkeys

About this artwork

signatuur en datum, linksonder: ‘K: du Iardin. fe 1655.’

Art Historical Context

Karel du Jardin's *Landscape with Twokeys* (1655) offers a tranquil glimpse into the Dutch Golden Age, when artists celebrated the natural world with remarkable precision. Painted in oil on canvas—a medium prized for its rich luminosity and ability to capture subtle atmospheric effects—this modest work measures just 35.5 by 46 centimeters. The artist's signature and date appear in the lower left, affirming its creation during du Jardin's early maturity. Du Jardin belonged to the circle of Dutch Italianate painters who infused their native landscapes with the golden light and classical serenity they encountered during travels to Italy. Though the scene depicts humble donkeys in a pastoral setting, it reflects the period's broader cultural appreciation for everyday harmony between animals, land, and human presence. The compact format encourages intimate viewing, rewarding close attention to the careful rendering of textures and light. Housed in the Rijksmuseum, the painting exemplifies du Jardin's skill at balancing naturalistic detail with poetic atmosphere, qualities that made such works beloved by 17th-century collectors seeking both beauty and quiet contemplation.

About the Artist

Karel du Jardin · 1626–1678

Karel Dujardin, born in Amsterdam on September 27, 1626, was the son of the little-known painter Guilliam du Gardin. His early training came under the guidance of Nicolaes Berchem, a master whose influence is evident in Dujardin's animal and landscape depictions, while he was also inspired by the works of Paulus Potter. As a young artist, Dujardin traveled to Italy, where he immersed himself in th...