
1629–1685
In this charming landscape study, a seated figure appears nestled among tree roots at the bend in a stream or river. The water’s gentle course seems in harmony with the irregularly formed trees and their fluttering leaves. Black chalk lines anchor the structure of the landscape elements while the varied application of brown wash in different densities contributes the more atmospheric qualities of light and moving air. Saftleven was born into a family of artists, and his penchant for landscape subjects may have been formed by his travels along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.