View of Amsterdam by Jacob van Ruisdal

Painting by Dutch painter Jacob van Ruysdael “View of Amsterdam”. The size of the painting is 52.5 x 43.5 cm, oil on canvas. In 1659, the painter Reisdal received the rights of a citizen of Amsterdam, and the following year wrote a letter of introduction to Meindert Hobbeme, in which he mentions that this young painter was his “apprentice and helper” for three years.

Thus, Meindert Hobbema is the only truly well-known pupil of Jacob van Ruysdael. Meindert Hobbema painted calm, sunlit corners of the forest, water mills, stretching to the horizon of the avenue. Most likely, Ruysdal and Hobbema not only worked together, but also were friends.

In 1668, as evidenced by the document preserved in the archives of the city government, Jacob van Reisdal was a witness during the marriage of Meindert Hobbema. Reisdal wrote his paintings mainly for free sale, and not by private orders, so it is difficult to judge the well-being of his financial affairs, although there is indirect evidence that Jacob van Reisdal did not have any financial difficulties.