Dutch Landscapes
This exhibition brings together 42 remarkable works, including paintings by Jacob van Ruisdael, Aelbert Cuyp, Nicolaes Berchem and Meyndert Hobbema. These and the other artists represented in the exhibition were based in the main artistic centres of the Dutch Republic in the seventeenth century; Haarlem, Amsterdam, Leiden, Utrecht, Dordrecht, Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague, but travelled throughout the countryside for inspiration.
The Dutch Republic, which gained independence from the Spanish-ruled Southern Netherlands in 1648, was physically expanding, with large areas being reclaimed from the sea. The new land was drained, and either built on or used for farming. Likewise, the population was growing, with that of Amsterdam doubling from 100,000 to 200,000 between 1625 and 1650. Landscape paintings seem to celebrate this expansion and the prosperity of the newly formed country.
Exhibition Highlights
Willem van de Velde the Younger (1633-1707)
A Calm: A States Yacht under Sail close to the Shore with many other Vessels
Karel du Jardin (Amsterdam c.1626-Venice 1678)
A Herdsman with an Ox, an Ass and Sheep in the Campagna
Jan Wouwerman (Haarlem 1629-Haarlem 1666)
A Winter Scene with a Fair on the Ice
Jacob van Ruisdael (Haarlem c. 1628-Amsterdam 1682)
Evening Landscape: a Windmill by a Stream
Looking at perspective: Children's activity
Perspective is vital in artistic composition
Compose your own landscape: Children's activity
How did artists compose paintings of landscapes?
Map & directions
By train
The nearest train stations are London Victoria (10 minute walk) or London Charing Cross (20 minute walk).
Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By underground
The nearest tube stations are Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park and Hyde Park Corner (all approximately 10 minutes walk).
For further information visit the Transport for London website.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the Palace.
For further information visit the Transport for London website.
