Artwork
Lake near Loosdrecht
Lake near Loosdrecht is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Willem Roelofs. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Created in 1894, this oil painting portrays a tranquil lake scene near Loosdrecht.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a quiet, observational moment of the Dutch countryside, reflecting Roelofs's interest in naturalistic landscape subjects.
Lake near Loosdrecht depicts a tranquil waterside scene featuring a boat and trees, rendered in oil on canvas by Willem Roelofs in 1887. The work belongs to the Dutch landscape tradition, focusing on the natural environment around the Loosdrecht lake area, with the small boat and surrounding trees serving as the principal compositional elements. The painting captures a quiet, observational moment of the Dutch countryside, reflecting Roelofs's interest in naturalistic landscape subjects.
Technique & Style
Lake near Loosdrecht is classified as a painting executed in oil paint, with the medium and support specified as canvas, oil paint, and panel. The work measures 30 cm in height by 45 cm in width, a modest horizontal format suited to its landscape subject. Its imagery centers on a boat and trees, consistent with the Hague School tradition of naturalistic outdoor observation that Roelofs was known for.
Overview
Created in 1894, this oil painting portrays a tranquil lake scene near Loosdrecht. A modest wooden boat with two figures drifts on the still water, while reeds fringe the foreground and a handful of trees line the shore. The sky is bright, dotted with soft, white clouds, giving the composition a calm, open atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The canvas was produced by Willem Roelofs, a Dutch artist associated with the Hague School and the later Dutch Revival movement. Known for his work in oil, watercolor, and etching, Roelofs contributed to the transition from Romantic Classicism toward a more naturalist aesthetic. The painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it remains on display.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Willem Roelofs (10 March 1822 – 12 May 1897) was a Dutch painter, water-colourist, etcher, lithographer and draughtsman.
