An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
A View of Vianen with a Herdsman and Cattle by a RiverAelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 1621–1691)
c. 1643/45
Dordrecht
40 × 55 cm (15 3/4 × 21 5/8 in.); Framed: 57.2 × 72.1 × 5.7 cm (22 1/2 × 28 3/8 × 2 1/4 in.)
Oil on panel
Charles H. and Mary F. S. Worcester Fund
['17th Century']
['landscape', 'animals', 'boatman', 'cows', 'man', 'river', 'sheep', 'sky', 'trees', 'water']
['painting', 'european painting', 'oil on board', 'paint']
['oil paint (paint)', 'organic material', 'paint', 'painting', 'panel (wood)']
['oil painting', 'painting', 'painting (image making)', 'painting techniques', 'panel painting']
Aelbert Cuyp never traveled to Italy, yet he employed the golden light typical of southern Europe to dramatize his distinctly Dutch pastoral subjects. He enhanced views of the meandering rivers and flat terrain with cows and sheep, animals that abounded in the local countryside. In this relatively early painting, his use of a warm, monochrome color palette reflects the influence of his older contemporary, Jan van Goyen.
| attributed to Art Institute of Chicago under CC-By license
In the serene heart of the Dutch countryside, Aelbert Cuyp found his muse. Picture vast, open fields stretching infinitely under a soft golden sun, the kind that seems to bask everything in a warm embrace. Though Cuyp never set foot in Italy, something of its enchanting light seeped into his soul, guiding his brush as it danced across the canvas. He took that golden glow, the very essence of warmth, and let it spill over into the scenes of his homeland.
Imagine tranquil rivers gently winding their way through the landscape, bordered by lush meadows where cows and sheep roamed freely. Each animal, a character in the pastoral symphony, contributed to the idyllic tableau that Cuyp masterfully painted. His strokes captured the simplicity of life, the way the animals grazed peacefully under the gaze of a setting sun.
This relatively early work by Cuyp is drenched in a warm, monochrome palette, a thoughtful nod to the influence of Jan van Goyen, his older contemporary and mentor. The shades of browns and soft yellows envelop the viewer, inviting them to pause and breathe in the tranquility of the moment. It’s as if the painting whispers, urging you to take a step into its pastoral world, where time ebbs slowly, and the golden light wraps around you like a comforting blanket.
In Cuyp's hands, the landscape transforms into a scene that resonates with serenity, a testament to the beauty of Dutch life, forever illuminated by that glorious sun.
About the artist
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” US attractions of 2023. We look forward to your visit and invite you to explore our many exhibitions and to join us for one of our free daily tours in-person.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Institute's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, USA 60603
The best place to view The Art Institute of Chicago‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.