Low Waterfall in a Wooded Landscape with a Dead Beech Tree

Low Waterfall in a Wooded Landscape with a Dead Beech Tree is a profound oil on canvas created by the eminent Dutch landscape painter Jacob van Ruisdael between 1660 and 1670. This work exemplifies the dramatic approach to landscape that defined the later career of the artist during the Dutch Golden Age in the Netherlands.

Ruisdael masterfully captures the rugged, dynamic power of nature, moving away from idealized pastoral scenes towards a more turbulent and realistic depiction of the environment. The composition is dominated by a dark wooded setting where a small, turbulent waterfall cascades over rocks. The energy of the water is balanced by the stillness of the surrounding forest, rendered through subtle variations in the application of oil paint to create texture and depth.

A central, visually arresting element is the stark, bleached trunk of a dead beech tree. This decaying form acts as a natural vanitas symbol, providing a melancholic counterpoint to the vibrant life and surging water of the landscape. Ruisdael was highly influential, shaping the tradition of European landscape painting through his expressive handling of light, shadow, and atmospheric effects.

As one of the artist's mature works, the painting showcases his enduring legacy. This important canvas is securely part of the esteemed collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. While the original remains in the museum, the enduring appeal of Ruisdael’s dramatic landscapes means that high-quality prints and references are frequently made available through public domain initiatives today.