River landscape, studio of Jan Brueghel the Younger (1601-1678)

17th century Antwerp school
studio of Jan Brueghel the Younger (1601-1678)
Oil on copper: h. 19 cm, w. 26,5 cm
Ebonized wood and moulded frame
Framed: h. 47 cm, w. 54 cm

This precious painting illustrates the view of a small village crossed by a canal with boats and canoes in the foreground. The slender trees punctuate this picturesque setting. The activity of the villagers is harmoniously highlighted against this peaceful background. The separation between the river and the sky seems to disappear in the misty distance thanks to the soft light.
An almost idyllic landscape that invites contemplation and daydreaming.
Painted on copper, the smooth support allows to enrich the composition with precise and realistic details.
Color plays a fundamental role in the balance of this work, a palette of warm tones to depict the village contrasts with the vibrant green trees against a backdrop of icy blue sky, while the water of the river is reflected in the tones blues and greens. This color combination creates a peaceful atmosphere magnified by a golden sky on the left, transporting the viewer to a natural and serene environment.

The attention paid to details, the finesse of the touch, the presence of water are all elements which direct us towards a student of Jan Breughel the Younger.
The genre of river landscape established by Jan Breughel the Elder and perpetuated by his son uses water as the main compositional element, running through the work and creating the interaction between nature and human activity.