View of a Village 1623

Willem van den Bundel created this “View of a Village” with oil paints on a wooden panel. Looking closely, you can see the fluid strokes and the build-up of layers that define the trees, the sky, and the figures on the road. Oil paint allowed van den Bundel to work with meticulous detail to create this landscape. The consistency of the medium captures the details of daily life. The use of oil paint itself has social implications. Developed during the Renaissance, the widespread adoption of oil paints elevated painting to a status above other forms of image making. The tradition of this medium, when considering the painting, provides historical insight. Van den Bundel’s choice of materials and techniques places this work within a specific art historical context. Considering these aspects enriches our understanding of “View of a Village” and its place in the hierarchy of art, reminding us to appreciate the artistry and tradition embedded within the work.