Duinlandschap 1847 - 1899

This is Jacob Maris’s "Duinlandschap," a watercolor work located in the Rijksmuseum. Notice how the sky is not simply a backdrop but an active participant in the landscape. The watercolor medium allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating a soft, diffused light. Maris masterfully uses the properties of watercolor to capture the atmospheric conditions of the Dutch landscape. The brushstrokes are loose and fluid, mirroring the natural forms they depict. Color is muted and limited to a narrow range of grays and greens, emphasizing the somber mood. The composition is divided into horizontal bands with the dunes below and the sky above. Through its structure and composition, the painting explores perception. The lack of sharp detail and the emphasis on atmosphere invite the viewer to contemplate the transient nature of light and weather. Instead of focusing on a singular motif, the scene embraces ambiguity, allowing for a more open-ended engagement with the artwork.