River Landscape with Cows

About this artwork

Purchased with the support of N.V. Philips Gloeilampenfabrieken to Stichting Jubileumfonds Rijksmuseum

Art Historical Context

Aelbert Cuyp's *River Landscape with Cows painted around 1645–1650, captures the tranquil beauty of the Dutch countryside during the Golden Age. This oil on panel (43 × 72.5 cm) depicts a serene river scene dotted with grazing cattle, bathed in the warm, golden light Cuyp was famous for. As a master of the Dutch landscape tradition from Dordrecht, Cuyp blended realistic observation with an almost luminous idealism, evoking the prosperity and peace of the Netherlands after its independence from Spanish rule. Cuyp's technique shines in his masterful use of oil on panel, a favored medium for its smooth surface that allowed precise detailing of textures—from rippling water to soft cow hides—and subtle atmospheric effects. Influenced by Italianate artists like Claude Lorrain, he infused northern scenes with southern warmth, creating a sense of timeless harmony between humanity, animals, and nature. This work exemplifies his signature style: expansive vistas, dramatic skies, and a glowing backlight that draws the eye across the composition. Acquired by the Rijksmuseum with support from N.V. Philips Gloeilampenfabrieken via the Stichting Jubileumfonds, the painting reflects ongoing cultural patronage. Visitors will appreciate its calming presence, a window into 17th-century Dutch life and Cuyp's enduring legacy in landscape art.

About the Artist

Aelbert Cuyp · 1620–1691

Aelbert Cuyp (1620–1691), a leading figure of the Dutch Golden Age, was born and died in Dordrecht, Netherlands, where he spent his entire life. The son of portraitist and animal painter Jacob Gerritsz Cuyp (1594–1652), Aelbert came from a family of artists—his uncle Benjamin Gerritsz Cuyp and grandfather Gerrit Gerritsz Cuyp were stained-glass designers—and studied under his father, with whom he ...