An Italianate Evening Landscape c. 1650

Jan Both created this large landscape painting on canvas sometime in the mid-17th century. Oil paint is made by mixing pigments with linseed or walnut oil, then carefully layering these to produce a full image. It was a technique favored by artists at the time, because its slow drying time allowed for meticulous detail. In this case, the artist has focused on the interplay of light and shadow, creating depth and atmosphere. The figures and their animals are carefully placed to draw the eye deeper into the composition. It’s interesting to consider that while the landscape itself appears natural, it is in fact artfully constructed. The artist had to carefully manipulate the materials to create an idealized vision of the Italian countryside. The painting reflects not only the aesthetic preferences of the time, but also the economic realities, as it attests to a growing appreciation of landscape painting among the Dutch middle class.