Landscape with a Church by a Torrent

Jacob van Ruisdael’s ‘Landscape with a Church by a Torrent’ is an oil on canvas from around 1670. It features a church and a rushing stream, typical of his work from this period.

The canvas is imbued with a sense of movement. The torrent’s energetic flow contrasts with the stillness of the church. The sky occupies a large portion of the composition.

This painting is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. It was acquired by the museum in 1962.

Jacob van Ruisdael painted landscapes, often featuring waterfalls and torrents. He was active in Haarlem later in his life.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, https://clevelandart.org/art/1962.256