The paintings of Jacob van Ruisdael are prime examples of landscape painting. The master’s work reflects the beauty, diversity and power of nature.

Biography of Jacob van Ruisdael

Information about the date of birth was not saved. The boy’s father was an artist and also made frames. Uncle the famous painter Salomon van Ruisdael, famous for creating attractive landscapes. Probably, it was talented relatives who gave the child painting lessons, which aroused in him an interest in art.

Jacob van Ruisdael painted the first paintings in 1646. The young man was then about 17 years old, but the work has already demonstrated his experience and talent. From 1650 to 1653, the young man spent a lot of time traveling around the Netherlands, visiting Germany. In 1657 he moved to Amsterdam: in a large city, he could easily earn money by doing creative work. There the painter lived until the end of his days. In 1668 he was invited as a witness to the wedding of his student Meindert Hobbema, who also became a famous Dutch landscape painter.

Not much is known about the private life of the master.

Even about professional activities, information is rather contradictory. There is information that he received a medical education and worked as a surgeon. Information about this is in the registry of Amsterdam doctors. But for some reason, the entry was deleted. There is also a document on the purchase of the painting, which indicates that the author is a doctor. Perhaps he combined creativity and medical activity.

At first, the painter created realistic landscapes that glorified the beauty of nature and the uniqueness of the moment. Over time, fantastic scenes appeared in the works: this is how the master tried to create more dramatic effects.

Jacob van Ruisdael worked for more than three decades. During this time, he developed his own, unique style. Nature dominates creations, and man is only a passerby. The melancholy calmness of the forest thicket, the power of the water element each work evokes its own emotions.

The author’s works were highly appreciated, so he was always with money. Some sources indicate that the landscape painter died in poverty, but this is erroneous data. In fact, this happened to his cousin. The confusion arose because they had the same first and last names and both were painting.