Landscape with Waterfall
Artist
Paul Bril
(Flemish, 1554–1626)
Date1622
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionscanvas: 44.9 x 62.2 cm (17 11/16 x 24 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. John Adam, Jr.
Terms
Object number1987.171
Label TextBril, a native of Antwerp, traveled to Rome sometime before 1582 and remained there until his death in 1626. In Italy he received numerous commissions for murals and easel paintings.
This painting shows Bril's interest in the classical or ideal landscape so popular among his Italian contemporaries. Through a careful orchestration of light and shadow, Bril creates a vast space and, at the same time, calls attention to the various contours of the land. Picturesque elements like the waterfall in the center and the ancient Roman temple on the hill at the upper left serve to carry the viewer into the distance. The landscape is further enlivened by a variety of animals and figures throughout, including the goat nibbling at foliage in the immediate foreground and the hunter aiming his gun over the rocks at the bird off to the right.ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. John Adam, Jr.On View
On view
