Who painted Autumn (?)?

Autumn (?) was painted by Gillis Mostaert in 1590.

Where can I see Autumn (?)?

Autumn (?) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Autumn (?)?

Autumn (?) is associated with Mannerism.

Can I buy a print of Autumn (?)?

Museum-quality prints of Autumn (?) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Autumn (?)

Gillis Mostaert , 1590

Autumn (?) is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Gillis Mostaert. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Created circa 1590, Autumn (?

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1590, Autumn (?) is an oil painting attributed to the Flemish artist Gillis Mostaert the Elder. Executed during the later phase of his career in Antwerp, the work presents a broad landscape that includes a river, a cluster of trees, and a distant city under a cloudy sky. The composition is rendered in a restrained palette of muted tones, punctuated by lighter highlights in the sky.

Subject & Meaning

In the foreground, figures dressed in period costume engage in everyday activities: a boat is being rowed, while others sit along the riverbank. The scene suggests a seasonal narrative, possibly alluding to the harvest period traditionally associated with autumn, though the title remains uncertain.

Technique & Style

The painting exhibits characteristics of late Renaissance Mannerism, evident in its elongated forms and stylized landscape. Mostaert’s handling of oil paint creates a subtle atmospheric effect, with soft transitions between the dark foreground and the brighter, cloud‑filled sky.

History & Provenance

The work entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Mostaert aligns with his known output of landscapes and genre scenes, which were highly valued by patrons of the period.

Context

Mostaert was renowned for winter scenes, nocturnal settings, and depictions of fire, yet he also produced a range of seasonal landscapes. Autumn (?) reflects his versatility and the broader Flemish interest in integrating human activity within expansive natural settings during the 16th century.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Gillis Mostaert

Gillis Mostaert the Elder (27 or 28 November 1528 – 28 December 1598) was a Flemish Renaissance painter and draughtsman active in Antwerp in the second half of the 16th century.