Castle and Watermill by a River c. 1670

Jacob van Ruisdael's "Castle and Watermill by a River" (c. 1670) is a classic example of Dutch Golden Age landscape painting. The painting depicts a serene river flowing through a verdant valley, with a watermill nestled on its banks. In the distance, a castle stands atop a hill, emphasizing the sense of grandeur and tranquility that pervades the scene. The carefully rendered details of the landscape, from the rolling hills to the foliage and the flowing water, create a sense of depth and realism, typical of Ruisdael's artistic style. The painting is considered a masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age and showcases Ruisdael's mastery of light and shadow, which adds to the painting's atmospheric quality.