Meindert Hobbema

Meindert Hobbema, born in 1638 in Amsterdam, was a prominent Dutch landscape painter associated with the Baroque movement. He was a pupil of the renowned artist Jacob van Ruisdael, whose influence is evident in Hobbema's detailed and atmospheric depictions of the Dutch countryside. Despite his talent, Hobbema's career was relatively short-lived, as he ceased painting professionally after securing a position as a wine-gauger for the Amsterdam customs office in 1668. His work, characterized by its intricate compositions and masterful use of light, gained significant recognition posthumously, influencing later landscape artists. Hobbema's most celebrated painting, "The Avenue at Middelharnis," exemplifies his skill in rendering perspective and naturalistic detail. He passed away in 1709, leaving behind a legacy that contributed to the development of landscape painting in the Netherlands.