An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Pastoral Landscape with RuinsAdriaen van de Velde (Dutch, 1636–1672)
1664
Holland
67 × 78.4 cm (26 3/8 × 30 7/8 in.); Framed: 81.3 × 92.4 × 6.4 cm (32 × 36 3/8 × 2 1/2 in.)
Oil on canvas
Sidney A. Kent Fund
['17th Century']
['landscape', 'clouds', 'cows', 'goats', 'hills', 'horses', 'ruins', 'trees']
['oil on canvas', 'paint', 'painting', 'european painting']
['oil paint (paint)', 'canvas', 'paint', 'painting']
['oil painting', 'painting', 'painting (image making)', 'painting techniques']
With its warm southern sunlight and leisurely interactions between herders, this painting of the Italian countryside would have affirmed urban Dutch perceptions of rural areas as places of innocence and peace. The son of a painter, Adriaen van de Velde was also inspired by the cattle pieces of Paulus Potter and the Italianate pastoral scenes of Nicolaes Pietersz. Berchem. He achieved a harmonious balance of elements by studying the landscape from life as well as by sketching the cattle in the pasture and the human figures in the studio.
| attributed to Art Institute of Chicago under CC-By license
In the soft embrace of the southern sun, the Italian countryside sprawls across the canvas like a gentle lullaby, a symphony of verdant fields and golden light. Here, the herders move in a slow dance, their interactions woven with threads of warmth and tranquility. In the eyes of urban Dutch viewers, this painting whispers promises of innocence and serenity, a stark contrast to the bustling life of the city.
Adriaen van de Velde, a son of the brush, draws upon a lineage steeped in artistry. His father's influence flows through his veins, igniting his imagination and enriching his canvas. As he crafts each stroke, echoes of the great Paulus Potter reverberate, reminding him of the sheer beauty found in the simplicity of cattle grazing. Meanwhile, the pastoral landscapes sketched by Nicolaes Pietersz. Berchem linger in his mind—lush, idyllic scenes that transport the beholder to a world untouched by the clock's relentless ticking.
To create this harmonious tableau, van de Velde doesn’t merely rely on memory. He sets out into the rich embrace of nature itself, deeply immersing himself in the world he wishes to capture. He studies the rolling hills, the cool shadows cast by trees, and the gentle sway of the grass, all the while sketching the sturdy cattle in their pasture. He observes the human figures, their laughter echoing in the air, and later, he faithfully recreates them within the sanctuary of his studio.
Each brushstroke becomes a thread, weaving together this tapestry of rural life, where every element—man, beast, and land—exists in perfect concord. The tranquil scene prompts a sigh of contentment, a peaceful reminder of the beauty in simplicity, beckoning viewers to step closer, breathe in deeply, and lose themselves in the warmth of a pastoral dream.
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.