Follower Of Jacques Van Der Wijen (amsterdam 1586 - 1638), Hunting For Deer

Follower of Jacques van der Wijen (Amsterdam 1586 - 1638)

Hunting for deer

Oil on canvas, cm 124 x 161

With frame cm 137 x 173



Jacques van der Wijen, a Dutch painter of Flemish origin, was born in Amsterdam on an unspecified date, but it is known that he was active in his hometown from about 1604 until at least the middle of the 17th century. The son of Flemish immigrants, probably artisans or merchants, Van der Wijen had the opportunity to train in a flourishing artistic environment like that of Amsterdam at the beginning of the 17th century.

He was probably trained in the workshop of Gillis van Coninxloo II, a renowned landscape painter. In this environment, Van der Wijen acquired the techniques and principles of landscape painting, a genre that was emerging at the time in the Netherlands. The influence of Van Coninxloo II is evident in Van der Wijen’s early works, which show a predilection for wooded landscapes and detailed natural views.

Although the details of his life are scarce, his works bear witness to a prolific production and a solid reputation as a landscape painter. His ability to represent nature, with particular attention to light and atmosphere, places him among the minor but significant landscape painters of the period. His works, often large-format, were intended for private collectors who appreciated the realistic and poetic representation of the Dutch landscape.

The painting depicts a wooded landscape, typical of Van der Wijen’s works. The scene is dominated by towering trees that occupy much of the composition, creating a sense of depth and immersion in nature. In the foreground, on the right-hand side, human figures, probably travellers or hunters, add a narrative element to the scene.