"Shepherds and Shepherdesses in a Landscape

About this artwork

signatuur en datum, rechts op een steen (vals): ‘W. van Mieris. Fe 1722’

Art Historical Context

Behold *Shepherds and Shepherd in a Landscape*, a 1735 oil on panel by Hieronymus van der Mij, measuring 59 cm high by 69.5 cm wide. Housed in Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, intimate cabinet painting captures an idyllic pastoral scene, evoking the leisurely pursuits of shepherds and shepherdesses amid a lush, verdant landscape. Painted in the refined tradition of Dutch *fijnschilders* (fine painters), it showcases meticulous brushwork typical of Leiden artists like the van Mieris family, whom van der Mij emulated. A fascinating detail lies in its false signature: on a stone at right, it reads ‘W. van Mieris. Fe 1722,’ mimicking the hand of Willem van Mieris, a prominent late Baroque master known for his elegant genre scenes. This forgery highlights the 18th-century art market's demand for small-scale, jewel-like panels that decorated private homes, blending realism with romanticized rural idylls. Oil on panel allowed for the glossy finish and exquisite detail that made such works prized collectibles. Van der Mij's piece reflects the era's cultural fascination with pastoral escapism, offering viewers a serene counterpoint to urban life while nodding to classical Arcadian ideals. A delightful gem for contemplation!

About the Artist

Hieronymus van der Mij · 1687–1761

A Leyden painter of portraits, genre scenes, and historical subjects. Comment on works: Portraits; History; Interiors