Dutch School Attributed to BARENT GAEL (c. 1630 - 1698); second third of the 17th century.

Dutch School Attributed to BARENT GAEL (c. 1630 - 1698); second third of the 17th century.
"Landscape."
Oil on panel.
Measurements: 24 x 29,5 cm.

In this Dutch landscape of the XVII century, attributed to Barent Gael, the scene is developed in an idyllic rural environment, where the daily life takes place in harmony with nature. The composition places us in front of a thatched farmhouse, partially covered by vegetation, whose brick and wood structure integrates organically with the surrounding landscape. Leafy trees frame the scene, while on the horizon the silhouette of a village with its church can be glimpsed, providing an atmospheric depth that emphasizes the sense of immensity of the sky.

The artist accurately captures peasant activity: in the center of the composition, a group of figures gather around a rustic table, conversing and sharing a moment of rest. On the right, a traveler in a wide-brimmed hat appears to be negotiating with a woman carrying a basket, while two horses laden with bales rest beside him. In the foreground, a child plays by a small stream, adding dynamism to the scene. A dog lying on the ground and chickens pecking in the dirt reinforce the domestic and peaceful character of the composition.

The treatment of light and atmosphere responds to the Dutch pictorial tradition of the Golden Age, in which the detailed observation of the environment and the representation of climatic effects play a fundamental role. The clouds, softly modeled with shades of light and shadow, suggest a sky in movement, contributing to the naturalness of the scene. The chromatic palette, dominated by earthy and greenish tones, evokes the serenity of the countryside, while the small touches of red and blue in the figures' clothing provide subtle hallmarks that enliven the composition.

This work is aesthetically close to the painting of Barent Gael (c. 1630 - 1698), a Dutch landscape painter of the Golden Age. Gael was born in Haarlem. According to Houbraken, he was a pupil of Philips Wouwerman. By 1642 he was already painting Italianate landscapes and was a prominent member of the Guild of St. Luke in Haarlem. The last known dated painting is from 1679, but his works are rarely dated. He moved from Haarlem to Amsterdam between 1661 and 1673, where he remained until his death.