Ducks’ Nests by Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriël

Ducks’ Nests c. 1890 - 1900

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

acrylic on canvas

underpainting

naturalistic tone

painting painterly

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

mixed medium

watercolor

"Ducks' Nests" is a late 19th-century oil painting by Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriël, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The painting depicts a serene landscape featuring a tranquil river, lush greenery, and two prominent nests built among the branches near the water's edge. Gabriël masterfully captures the soft light and subtle details of the natural world, using a delicate touch and muted colors. The painting's tranquil atmosphere and realistic depiction of nature evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. This artwork is a prime example of Gabriël's signature style, characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to imbue his landscapes with a sense of quiet beauty.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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These baskets made of willow branches and resting on sticks were intended to offer shelter to nesting ducks. In the past, their eggs were gathered for consumption. In contrast to his mills and panoramic views, Gabriël here ‘zooms in’ on a detail in nature. He thus presents an unusual perspective of the watery Dutch landscape from a low vantage point on the embankment.