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Andreas Schelfhout, 'Landscape with Cumulus Clouds', about 1839

About the work

Overview

In this rapidly painted, atmospheric sketch, the expansive landscape stretching to the distant horizon is dwarfed by a huge sky of white cumulus clouds. Schelfhout uses a range of whites and greys to give the clouds volume, and dabs of white paint to highlight the reflection of the sunlight on them. The lightness and economy of his brushwork gives the sketch a fresh feeling.

This work is related to a finished picture of a 'Landscape near Haarlem' of 1839 (London, Victoria and Albert Museum). Underdrawing for a different, mountainous landscape and squaring lines are visible in the foreground of the sketch, suggesting that it was painted over an earlier composition, perhaps abandoned by the artist.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Landscape with Cumulus Clouds, with View of Haarlem on the Horizon
Artist dates
1787 - 1870
Date made
about 1839
Medium and support
Oil on paper laid on canvas
Dimensions
24.5 × 29.3 cm
Acquisition credit
The Gere Collection, on long-term loan to the National Gallery
Inventory number
L811
Location
Room 39
Image copyright
The Gere Collection, on long-term loan to the National Gallery, © Private collection 2000. Used by permission
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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