Marten Ryckaert (1587-1631) - River Landscape

Marten Ryckaert (1587-1631)
River Landscape,
Signed: “MR 1620”
Oil on canvas 47 x 87 cm

This pastoral scene, typical of Marten Rijckaert’s Italianate landscapes, depicts an idealized view of a village surrounded by greenery, with a river running through the composition.
The scene is structured in several planes, providing remarkable depth and highlighting vibrant human activity.

In the foreground, three figures dominate the scene: A man wearing a hat, dressed in red, is talking to two women carrying baskets full of provisions.

Their posture and gestures suggest an animated conversation, probably about their market or their daily activities.

One of the women, in a white apron, seems to be indicating a path or direction, which could suggest an exchange of practical information.

Nearby, a dog accompanies them, reinforcing the idea of a rural, everyday scene. A little further back, a rider on a brown horse advances calmly along a shaded path, his calm attitude indicating a peaceful journey.
The tranquility of this solitary figure contrasts with the animation of the group of peasants.
In the background, near the river, several figures are busy with various tasks: we see fishermen in a boat, peasant women washing clothes on the banks, and cattle grazing peacefully under the supervision of their shepherds.
These activities reflect the simple but laborious daily life of the Flemish countryside of the 17th century. The background reveals a green landscape dotted with buildings: a church, farms and a windmill, emphasizing the importance of agriculture and religion in this society.
The partly cloudy sky, typical of Flemish landscapes, provides a soft luminosity that accentuates the tranquility and harmony of the scene.


Museum References Related to Marten Rijckaert

• Portrait of Marten Rijckaert by Anthony van Dyck: Prado Museum, Madrid
• River Landscape with Windmill: Groeningemuseum, Bruges
• Landscape with Figures and Animals: Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
• Mountainous Landscape with Village: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam