Mountainous Landscape 1600 - 1626

Editor: So, this is "Mountainous Landscape" by Denijs van Alsloot, created sometime between 1600 and 1626. It's a woodcut currently residing at the Met. It strikes me as… almost dreamlike, ethereal even. What do you see in this piece, looking at it now? Curator: Ah, Alsloot! I like that dreamy captures it. For me, it evokes a longing for a wilder world. See how he contrasts the untamed rocks and looming trees with these hints of civilization, tiny bridges and buildings tucked into the scene? He presents the eternal beauty of nature overshadowing all fleeting, little man-made things, which can feel reassuring in a very chaotic modern world, almost like we are small, our struggles are small. And these are presented to us in art. How beautifully quaint is that? Editor: Yes, there is this beautiful harmony in contrasts. I like how you called out our desire for a "wilder world" versus what is depicted in the work! The "bridges and buildings tucked into the scene" still present and create nature of sorts as the trees surround each part of society. What feelings did Alsloot possibly go through that are presented in his artwork for you? Curator: A very insightful point! Considering the Northern Renaissance fascination with detail, one can tell Alsloot wanted his work to connect. He may have felt peace to go back to this. These natural themes were a point of relief that many other artists also experienced. One could consider the beauty from life struggles like they all were one. Editor: It is hard to image, being transported back into these works and time. It’s amazing to see such delicate execution with just a woodcut! Thank you for this perspective, it gives the work a new appeal. Curator: My pleasure! I hope to see how other people view this and other masterpieces!