Aelbert CuypDutch, 1620–1691River Landscape with Riders
May one see it?
Yes, receiving visitors
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
River Landscape with Riders is an oil-on-canvas painting by the Dutch artist Aelbert Cuyp, created c. 1653–1657, now in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which bought it in 1965 from the Edmond de Rothschild collection in Exbury, Hampshire. The painting is signed at the bottom center 'A. Cuijp'.
In the museum's words
This is a panoramic, sun-drenched river landscape – somewhat hazy in the distance – with sketchily drawn clouds. Two Dutch officers halt at the river, and water their horses next to a herder and his resting cattle. This idyllic scene does not unfold in Italy, but along the Waal between Nijmegen and Cleves, where Cuyp made landscape drawings that he took back to his workshop in Dordrecht.
Rijksmuseum
Particulars
- Accession number
- SK-A-4118
What it shows
In the catalog
Comings and goings
On view · Room 2.30 · Gallery of Honour
Rijksmuseum · Sep 29, 2026 — now · Verified
Whether it was on view is unknown
Rijksmuseum · Unconfirmed
Sources
- Rijksmuseum
- Image: Rijksmuseum — public domain
Meanwhile, in the life of Aelbert Cuyp
The whole life1651 or 1652
Death of his father and an inheritance
After the death of his father, Jacob Gerritsz Cuyp, Aelbert inherits a considerable fortune and becomes one of the most respected citizens of Dordrecht. He spends most of his life in the house “Huis Samson” on the Wijnstraat.
1658
Marries Cornelia Bosman
Marries Cornelia Bosman, the wealthy widow of the naval man Johan van den Corput, from a family respected in the city; she already has three children. She is very devout, which is later linked to Cuyp's turn away from painting.
c. 1658 – 1660
Painting almost stops
After his marriage the number of his works falls almost to nothing; his period of activity as a painter is traditionally limited to 1639–1660. The reason is thought to be his wife's piety and his growing church affairs, or perhaps simply that he had no financial worries.
1659
Becomes a deacon of the Reformed congregation
A year after his marriage Cuyp, a devout Calvinist, becomes a deacon of the Reformed church; he will later also serve as an elder, holding important municipal and church offices. Houbraken recalled that no paintings by other artists were found in his house after his death.
1659
Birth of a daughter
A year after the wedding Cornelia bears Aelbert a daughter.
