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(Gorinchem 1603/04-1677 Amsterdam)

The landscape painter Aert van der Neer, known for his moonlit scenes, painted this very finely executed landscape which, in spite of its small size, creates a panoramic impression. The mountains on the left and the water on the right are illuminated in an extraordinary way by a setting sun veiled by clouds. The sky, with its many delicate colours, occupies a considerable proportion of the picture space. The painting of c. 1645-55 is not typical of the work of Van der Neer, who usually depicted Dutch landscapes by night, but it does demonstrate his feeling for tonal values and atmosphere.