View of Haarlem with Bleaching Fields

View of Haarlem with Bleaching Fields
ArtistJacob van Ruisdael
Yearc. 1670–1675
Dimensions62.2 cm × 55.2 cm (24.5 in × 21.7 in)
LocationKunsthaus Zürich, Zürich

View of Haarlem with Bleaching Fields (c. 1670–1675) is an oil on canvas painting by Dutch landscape painter Jacob van Ruisdael. It is an example of Dutch Golden Age painting and Haarlempjes, a specific style of Dutch landscape painting that focuses on views of Haarlem.[1]View of Haarlem with Bleaching Fields is now in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.[2] This painting demonstrates several critical characteristics of 17th-century Dutch landscape painting, including a low horizon line, expressions of Dutch pride of place, and disguised religious symbolism. Through this work, Ruisdael expresses his pride as not only a Dutch citizen but also a citizen of Haarlem.[1] Painted shortly after the end of the Eighty Years' War and the independence of the Dutch Republic, View of Haarlem with Bleaching Fields, and many other Dutch Golden Age paintings, united the newly formed nation under depictions of pride in their land and the prosperity of their country.[3] Ruisdael went on to paint many similar views of Haarlem and its bleaching fields. Even after his death, these views would continue to be painted by his followers and inspire future generations of landscape painters.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Stone-Ferrier, Linda (1985). "Views of Haarlem: A Reconsideration of Ruisdael and Rembrandt". The Art Bulletin. 67 (3): 417. doi:10.2307/3050960. ISSN 0004-3079.
  2. ^ "Jacob van Ruisdael, View of Haarlem with Bleaching Grounds – Smarthistory". smarthistory.org. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  3. ^ Chapman, H. Perry (2000). "Propagandist Prints, Reaffirming Paintings: Art and Community during the Twelve Years' Truce". In Wheelock, Arthur K. (ed.). The Public and Private in Dutch Culture of the Golden Age. Newark: London: University of Delaware Press. pp. 43–63.