Two Peasants and their Dog
c. 1650
Jacob van Ruisdael was absolutely obsessed with trees, and this massive, gnarled oak is the ultimate proof of his arboreal love affair. The tree dominates the scene with twisted branches and roots that look like flexing muscles, dwarfing the two tiny peasants and their dog wandering in the bottom left corner. This dramatic sense of scale was a hallmark of the Dutch Baroque style, reminding viewers that nature is powerful and ancient while humans are just passing through. You can even spot a little cottage tucked away under the branches on the right, and the signature 'Ruisdael f.' at the bottom proudly claims the masterpiece.
- Technique
- etching
- Material
- paper
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