Object Image

An Extensive Landscape with a Road by a River

This imaginary landscape in the flatlands of the Low Countries conjures a remarkably effective illusion of a vast panorama opening up before us. Koninck has used two particular techniques to create this effect. He's made the figure in the middle ground the most prominent and painted the landscape around him in a more detailed way than the foreground and far distance. It's an innovative technique, replicating the way our eyes work when we gaze into the distance - we focus on one point and the rest blurs slightly.

Koninck has also taken a more conventional approach to creating a sense of space, depicting a series of ripple-like horizontals formed by the hedges, fields, patches of water and dista...

1655
Oil on canvas
137.4 x 167.7cm
NG6398
Image and text © The National Gallery, London, 2024

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