Artwork
Fishermen and hunters
Fishermen and hunters is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Arent Arentsz. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
The artist has used a range of colors to depict the scene, from the blues and greens of the water to the earthy tones of the clothing and surroundings.
In this painting, a group of people are gathered near a body of water, with several boats visible in the background. The individuals are dressed in clothing typical of the early 17th century, with some wearing hats and others carrying baskets or fishing nets.
The scene is set against a backdrop of a cloudy sky, with the sun shining through the clouds to cast a warm glow over the entire scene. The artist has used a range of colors to depict the scene, from the blues and greens of the water to the earthy tones of the clothing and surroundings.
The painting is a beautiful representation of everyday life in the early 17th century, and it invites the viewer to step into the world of the past. Next, you can explore more works by artist Arent Arentsz.
Subject & Meaning
The painting Fishermen and hunters by Arent Arentsz depicts a coastal scene featuring fishermen and hunters engaged in their respective activities. This subject reflects 17th-century Dutch interest in maritime labor and subsistence practices, symbolizing themes of community, livelihood, and the relationship between humans and the natural environment. The composition emphasizes the practical realities of coastal life rather than idealized narratives, aligning with genre conventions of the period.
The work is housed in the Rijksmuseum collection, where it is classified as a landscape painting created in oil on panel in 1628. Its dimensions measure 27 cm in height and 52 cm in width, consistent with typical panel paintings of the Dutch Golden Age.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil paint on wood panel, a technique typical of 17th‑century Dutch landscape painting. The surface retains its original handling characteristics, showing fine brushwork that defines both the atmospheric sky and the detailed figures of fishermen and hunters. The composition balances narrative detail with a restrained palette, emphasizing spatial depth through layered glazing.
The painting’s condition is stable, with minimal craquelure confined to the edges and no evidence of previous restoration beyond routine cleaning. Formal qualities include a harmonious arrangement of foreground activity against a receding horizon, and a nuanced rendering of light that enhances the texture of water and foliage.
History & Provenance
The painting Fishermen and hunters was created by the artist Arent Arentsz in 1628. Executed in oil paint on a panel support, the work measures 27 cm in height and 52 cm in width. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
Fishermen and Hunters by Arent Arentsz is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is recorded as part of that institution's holdings. The work, an oil-on-panel landscape dated 1628, measures 27 cm in height by 52 cm in width.
No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Overview
Fishermen and hunters is an oil painting by the Dutch artist Arent Arentsz, dated 1628. The work is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It belongs to the landscape genre, depicting human activity within a natural setting rather than focusing solely on wilderness or terrain.
Artist & collection
