Description

The first English-language introduction to the evocative, detailed and subversively artificial landscapes of a neglected Dutch master

In 1644 the young Dutch artist Allart van Everdingen (1621-75) traveled in Norway. It was an inspiring experience that set the course for his career. He went on to make countless paintings, drawings and etchings of rugged landscapes with waterfalls, log cabins and pine trees--a selection of which is presented in this first English-language monograph to be published in decades.
Van Everdingen's highly detailed, emotionally resonant paintings of Norwegian landscapes at first seem to be realistic depictions, but prove on closer examination to be artistic constructs, conceived and executed in the workshop. Van Everdingen forged a new style in Dutch art that was picked up by other artists, Jacob van Ruisdael among them. In the 19th century, his impressive mountain views became an important inspiration for the Romantics. He also painted dramatic seascapes and river views, Dutch landscapes and illustrations for the Tale of Reynard the Fox.