Uitgestrekt berglandschap met een brede rivier 1639 - 1700

Jan Hackaert made this pen and brown ink drawing of an expansive mountain landscape with a wide river in the Netherlands during the 17th century. This landscape presents us with a particular set of cultural and institutional values. The Dutch Golden Age saw a surge in landscape art, driven by a growing sense of national identity and civic pride. Artists like Hackaert weren't just depicting scenery; they were constructing an image of the Netherlands itself. But even while focusing on the local, Dutch artists were deeply influenced by Italian art. The mountainous landscape here is probably inspired by a journey to Italy. To fully understand this drawing, we can consult historical maps, travel literature, and studies of Dutch Golden Age art. These sources will reveal how Hackaert's landscape contributed to the visual culture of his time.