The Lake of Zurich c. 1660

lake

abstract painting

charcoal drawing

impressionist landscape

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

acrylic on canvas

underpainting

seascape

painting painterly

watercolor

"The Lake of Zurich" by Jan Hackaert (c. 1660) is a serene landscape painting depicting the eponymous lake nestled amidst rolling hills and a backdrop of majestic mountains. The painting, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is characterized by its soft, atmospheric light and a sense of tranquility. Hackaert, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, captures the natural beauty of the Swiss landscape with precision and sensitivity. The inclusion of small figures in the foreground provides a sense of scale and adds to the overall charm of the composition. The painting is a testament to Hackaert's skill as a landscape artist and his ability to evoke a sense of peace and serenity through his art.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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Hackaert belongs to the Dutch Italianates, the name given to painters able to capture the golden sunlight of Italy. It is unclear whether he ever actually travelled to Italy. What is certain is that he lived for many years in Switzerland, where he made drawings in the environs of Zurich. He relied on such studies for this panoramic view – it is one of the earliest topographical renderings of the Alps.