Aelbert Cuyp

Aelbert Jacobsz Cuyp (October 20, 1620 - November 15, 1691) was one of the leading Dutch landscape painters of the 17th century. He is especially known for his views of the Dutch countryside in early morning or late afternoon. Sunlight in his paintings rakes across the panel, accentuating small bits of detail in the golden light. In large, atmospheric panoramas of the countryside, the highlights on a blade of meadow grass, the mane of a tranquil horse, the horn of a dairy cow reclining by a stream, or the tip of a peasant's hat are all caught in a bath of yellow ocher light. The quality of paint in a picture by Cuyp is unmistakably masterful. The richly varnished medium refracts the rays of light like a jewel as it dissolves into numerous glazed layers.

Related Topics:
October 20 - 1620 - November 15 - 1691 - Dutch - Landscape - Painter - 17th century - Varnished

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Cuyp's drawings reveal him to be a draftsman of superior quality. Light-drenched washes of golden brown ink depict a distant view of the city of Dordrecht or Utrecht.

Related Topics:
Golden brown ink - Dordrecht - Utrecht

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A Cuyp drawing may look like he intended it to be, a finished work of art; but it was most likely taken back to the studio and used as a reference for his paintings. Often the same section of a sketch can be found in several different pictures. Cuyp's landscapes were based on reality and on his own invention of what an enchanting landscape should be.

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