Wooded River Landscape with Three People Fishing

The work Wooded River Landscape with Three People Fishing is attributed to the renowned landscape master, Possibly Jacob van Ruisdael Dutch, 1628/29-1682. This detailed drawing utilizes black chalk, enhanced by subtle touches of graphite, rendered on cream laid paper that has been historically laid down onto card. Ruisdael, a pivotal figure in 17th-century Dutch art, excelled in capturing the dramatic atmosphere and texture of natural environments through both painting and drawing.

Created sometime between 1648 and 1682, this piece exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's growing appreciation for naturalistic views of the local terrain. The scene depicts a densely forested area bordering a quiet river, where three small figures engage in the common pastime of fishing. The composition emphasizes the grandeur and scale of the surrounding nature over the human activity, a hallmark of Ruisdael’s mature style. Drawings like this served both as preparatory studies and finished works, demonstrating the artist's ability to create deep spatial recession using line and careful tonal variation. The cultural shift in the Netherlands during this era elevated landscape painting to one of the most respected genres.

The precise handling of light and shadow, characteristic of Ruisdael’s approach, lends depth and structure to the wooded banks. Though distinct from his famous oil paintings, this drawing remains an important example of the artist's foundational draughtsmanship. It resides as part of the prestigious collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. High-resolution images and prints of significant Ruisdael works are increasingly accessible, often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring the continued academic study of this influential 17th-century master.