Landscape with a Rainstorm Threatening 1825 - 1829

'Landscape with a Rainstorm Threatening' was painted by Barend Cornelis Koekkoek, using oil on canvas. The smooth surface almost obscures the labor that went into it. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice a subtle build-up of paint. This is not just about representation, but about the sheer physical presence of oil paint, which has been carefully layered to achieve the final effect. Koekkoek skillfully imitates the texture of nature, from the roughness of the rocks to the softness of the sheep’s wool. By applying the techniques typically used in classical landscape painting, he elevates the status of this scene. He makes it more than just a picture, but a reflection of Dutch prosperity. The relationship between the mode of production and consumption appears in the details. The choice of materials, the labor-intensive techniques, and the subject matter all reflect this. It’s a landscape that tells a story of human impact on the natural world. It is a display of both artistic skill and economic transformation.