Wooded Landscape with a House by a River

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the tranquil Flemish countryside of the 17th century, *Wooded Landscape with a by a River* by Lucas van Uden captures lush beauty of nature with masterful subtlety. Van Uden, a prominent-based artist active during the Baroque era, specialized in evocative landscapes featuring dense trees, winding rivers, and humble dwellings—hallmarks of the Flemish Golden Age's fascination with the natural world. This drawing evokes a peaceful riverside scene, where sunlight filters through foliage, inviting viewers to imagine the gentle flow of water and rustle of leaves. Crafted on blue prepared paper, the work employs an innovative technique: oiled charcoal for rich, fluid strokes, heightened with white to create luminous highlights and atmospheric depth. This method, popular among 17th-century draftsmen, mimics the play of light on water and foliage, transforming a simple sheet (8 3/4 x 13 3/4 in.) into a study of texture and tone. Blue paper not only grounds the composition but enhances the illusion of sky and shadow, showcasing van Uden's skill in preparatory drawings often used for paintings or engravings. Bequeathed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1971 by Walter C. Baker, this gem from the Drawings and Prints department highlights van Uden's enduring influence on landscape art, bridging studio sketches and grand canvases. A testament to Flemish precision, it reminds us how 17th-century artists turned paper into portals of serenity.

About the Artist

Lucas van Uden · 1595–1673

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