Jacob van Ruisdael - View of Bentheim Castle (1652)

Jacob Isaackszoon van Ruisdael (1628/29-1682) was a Dutch painter and etcher, considered one of the greatest landscape painters of the 17th century. Born in Haarlem, he was the nephew of Salomon van Ruysdael, another prominent landscape painter. Ruisdael's landscapes are characterised by their dramatic, naturalistic style, with an emphasis on changing light and weather conditions. He often depicted forests, rivers and waterfalls, as well as rural scenes and seascapes. His paintings were also notable for their use of atmospheric perspective, which created a sense of depth and distance in the composition. Ruisdael was a prolific artist, producing over 700 paintings and 100 etchings during his career. His work was highly influential on later landscape painters, including the French Barbizon School and the English Romantics. Some of his most famous works include 'The Jewish Cemetery', 'View of Haarlem with Bleaching Grounds' and 'The Windmill at Wijk bij Duurstede'.