Artwork

Landscape in the Roman Campagna

Landscape in the Roman Campagna, by Karel Dujardin, oil, 1675
Landscape in the Roman Campagna, by Karel Dujardin, oil, 1675

Landscape in the Roman Campagna is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Karel Dujardin. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work embodies the classical ideal of harmonious human presence within nature, reflecting 17th‑century ideals of order and serenity in the Roman landscape.

The painting portrays an idyllic pastoral scene set in the countryside surrounding Rome, featuring a prominent tree, a solitary man, and a woman within the composition.

The work embodies the classical ideal of harmonious human presence within nature, reflecting 17th‑century ideals of order and serenity in the Roman landscape.

Its subject draws on traditional pastoral iconography that conveys themes of rustic simplicity and contemplative tranquility.

Technique & Style

Landscape in the Roman Campagna is an oil painting executed on a canvas support by Karel Dujardin in 1675. The work measures 85 cm in height and 107 cm in width. As a landscape painting, the composition depicts natural elements including trees alongside human figures, specifically a man and a woman. The piece is classified within the genre of landscape art.

History & Provenance

The work was painted by Karel Dujardin in 1675 as an oil on canvas landscape depicting a tree, a man, and a woman. It entered the collection of Baroness Edith van Eersel before being acquired by the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, where it remains on display.

Legacy

The painting Landscape in the Roman Campagna by Karel Dujardin influenced later artists through its atmospheric treatment of light and classical pastoral themes. Its composition of trees, a man, and a woman became a reference for 19th-century landscape painters seeking idealized natural settings. The work's presence in a public collection at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp contributed to renewed scholarly attention in the 1970s, linking it to broader discussions of Dutch-Italianate landscape traditions.

Overview

Created in 1675, this oil painting by Dutch artist Karel Dujardin portrays a pastoral scene set in the Roman countryside. A man and a woman lead a small herd of sheep and donkeys along a dusty track, framed by gentle hills, scattered trees, and a modest structure in the distance. The sky is light, dotted with soft clouds, and the overall tone is warm and earthy.

Context

During two extended stays in Italy, Dujardin developed a reputation for small, intimate landscapes that blended Dutch genre sensibilities with Italian light and topography. This painting exemplifies that synthesis, illustrating how Northern artists of the 17th century absorbed and reinterpreted Mediterranean environments.

Crossing the Brook
Crossing the Brook, Karel Dujardin

Artist & collection

Portrait of Karel Dujardin

Artist

Karel Dujardin

Karel Dujardin (September 27, 1626 – November 20, 1678) was a Dutch Golden Age painter.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Landscape in the Roman Campagna?

Landscape in the Roman Campagna was painted by Karel Dujardin in 1675.

Where can I see Landscape in the Roman Campagna?

Landscape in the Roman Campagna is held by Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

What movement is Landscape in the Roman Campagna?

Landscape in the Roman Campagna is associated with Dutch Golden Age.