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 idealised view of a village surrounded by greenery, with a river running through the composition. The scene is structured in several planes, offering remarkable depth and highlighting vibrant human activity. In the foreground, three figures dominate the scene: a man in a hat, dressed in red, is talking to two women carrying baskets full of provisions. Their posture and gestures suggest a lively conversation, probably about their market or their daily activities. One of the women, wearing a white apron, seems to be indicating a path or direction, which might 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 rides calmly along a shady path, his composed attitude indicating a peaceful journey. The tranquillity of this solitary figure contrasts with the liveliness of the group of peasants.

In the background, near the river, a number of figures are busy with various tasks: fishermen in a boat, peasant women washing clothes on the banks, and cattle grazing peacefully under the watchful eye of their shepherds can be seen. These activities reflect the simple but industrious daily life of the Flemish countryside in the XVII? century.
The background reveals a verdant landscape dotted with buildings: a church, farmhouses and a windmill, emphasising the importance of agriculture and religion in this society. The partly cloudy sky, typical of Flemish landscapes, provides a soft luminosity that accentuates the tranquillity and harmony of the scene.

Museum references linked to Marten Rijckaert
- Portrait of Marten Rijckaert by Anthony van Dyck: Prado Museum, Madrid
- River landscape with windmill: Groeninge Museum, Bruges
- Landscape with figures and animals: Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
- Mountain landscape with village: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam