Landscape with Two Oaks, a masterpiece by Jan van Goyen, was painted in 1641 and is an iconic representation of Dutch landscape painting during the Golden Age. This oil on canvas measures 88.5 cm in height and 110.5 cm in width, and it is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, where it can be admired in room 2.6.
The painting is notable for its near monochrome palette, which is brought to life by the blue and red doublets of two figures resting beneath the trees. Van Goyen’s technique involved using thin, almost transparent paint for the foliage and thick, grainy paint for the furrowed trunks of the two gnarled oak trees that dominate the scene. These oaks stand out against a threatening sky, illuminated by a few rays of sunlight, creating a dramatic and moody atmosphere.
The work is part of the museum’s collection thanks to the Dupper Wzn. Bequest from Dordrecht in 1870 and is identified as object number SK-A-123. The signature and date are found at the bottom center of the painting. It is also mentioned that the painting was once part of an exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal in Leiden from June 4 to July 27, 1960, under catalog number 28.
Landscape with Two Oaks is a testament to the era’s fascination with the transience of life and the natural world, often interpreted through a lens of vanitas symbolism. The weather-beaten trees serve as protagonists, emphasizing the theme of impermanence. The idle figures beneath them and the expansive horizon may have been seen by contemporary viewers as reflections on the fleeting nature of existence.
This work is not only a significant piece of art history but also a cultural artifact that reflects the values and aesthetics of the Dutch Golden Age. It stands as a symbol of the nation’s pride in its landscape and its achievements in land reclamation and independence. The painting is available for public viewing and has been digitized, allowing for its image to be downloaded for personal creations or ordered as a ready-made poster, making it accessible to a wider audience who can appreciate its historical and artistic value.
