Meindert Hobbema – Wooded Landscape with Merrymakers in a Cart.
A dream has come true at the Rijksmuseum which has received its biggest donation for the past 50 years – Hobbema’s Wooded Landscape with Merrymakers in a Cart. Dating from 1655 the masterpiece is part of Willem baron Van Dedem’s collection. The Baron, who lives in England, is chair of TEFAF Maastricht and has been collecting 17th century Dutch paintings for over 50 years.
Meindert Hobbema was a student of Jacob van Ruisdael, but his landscapes are lighter and more cheerful. In this painting the artist illuminates the trees from behind, giving extra depth. The work goes on display from today in the Gallery of Honour.
The general director of the Amsterdam Museum Wim Pijbes said: “A long tradition of important Rijksmuseum donations is honoured at the highest level. To date there has been no other masterpiece by Hobbema in the Rijksmuseum. It’s a dream come true for every director”.