Cottage at the Top of a Hill c. 1660

Jacob van Ruisdael's "Cottage at the Top of a Hill" (c. 1660) is a detailed etching that showcases the artist's mastery of landscape composition. The artwork features a cottage nestled amidst a densely wooded hillside, with a large tree branch dominating the foreground. The artist's meticulous depiction of the foliage and the distant village, partially obscured by the tree, creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. The etching's dramatic use of light and shadow further enhances the sense of realism, making it a prime example of Dutch Golden Age landscape art.