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Landscape with a Thunderstorm Brewing by Willem Roelofs

Willem Roelofs · 1850-01-01

Willem Roelofs's “Landscape with a Thunderstorm Brewing,” painted around 1850, captures a dramatic moment in the Dutch countryside. This oil painting, part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, is a prime example of the Barbizon School's influence on Dutch art.

Notice the solitary equestrian figure and their small dog, dwarfed by the expansive, turbulent sky. The fleeting break in the clouds casts a temporary light on the winding path, adding to the sense of an imminent storm.

Roelofs was a prominent figure in the Dutch Revival art movement, known for his atmospheric landscapes that often emphasized the power and dominance of nature. His work helped transition Dutch painting from Romantic Classicism to a more naturalistic style.

What details in the painting best convey the approaching storm to you?

Details

The low, heavy clouds press down on the landscape.
The low, heavy clouds press down on the landscape.
Its delicate leaves and white bark contrast with the dark sky and rugged terrain.
Its delicate leaves and white bark contrast with the dark sky and rugged terrain.
Transcript

Around 1850, Dutch painter Willem Roelofs captured this moment. He was a leader of the Dutch Revival in painting. This rider on horseback is about to be caught in a storm. The low, heavy clouds press down on the landscape. The light breaks through in one spot, briefly illuminating the path. Roelofs's works often emphasized nature's power over people. He helped shape a return to naturalistic, atmospheric landscapes.