Cornelis van Poelenburgh (1594-1667) Landscape with shepherds.

Oil on panel
We like to thank dr. Guido Jansen for his help cataloging this painting.
Housed in a 17th century blackened style frame.
Representing a landscape with shepherds and their flock with the nativity.

Cornelis van Poelenburgh was a Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman. He was the leading representative of the first generation of Dutch landscape painters who were active in Rome in the early 17th century. He was known for small-scale paintings depicting Italianate landscapes with small figures enacting biblical or mythological scenes or in contemporary attire. He painted mostly small landscapes with mythical or religious figures or passages, in a style that would later be evident in some of the works of Claude Lorraine. His early work is similar in style to that of Bartholomeus Breenbergh to the point that their paintings are sometimes difficult to tell apart.

The artist's masterful use of a muted palette, primarily grays and browns, creates a harmonious backdrop against which the subtleties of the narrative come to life.
Amidst the peaceful landscape, two herdsmen tend to their flock, their attire adorned with sporadic specks of color that punctuate the subdued tones. Goats lounge lazily, contributing to the idyllic atmosphere, while two cows graze nearby. The rural setting is accentuated by the presence of ancient ruins, which add a touch of antiquity to the pastoral scene.
On the foreground's right side, additional ruins come into view, providing a stage for a poignant tableau. Here, a depiction unfolds—a tender moment capturing the biblical narrative of Mary and Child greeted by the Magi. This unexpected and symbolic addition introduces a layer of contemplation, inviting viewers to ponder the intersection of the divine with the tranquility of the natural world.
Van Poelenburgh's meticulous rendering invites the viewer to explore the details of this serene panorama, where nature and historical echoes coexist in a poetic harmony.