Landscape by Moonlight

Copyright

Work in the public domain
Image: Courtauld
by-nc

Maker


1577-1640

Title

Landscape by Moonlight

Date of Production

1635-40

Medium

oil on panel

Dimensions

Height: 64 cm (panel)
Width: 90 cm (panel)

Object Number

P.1978.PG.380

Mode of Acquisition

Estate of Count Antoine Seilern, purchase & grant aid, 1981

Credit

Courtauld Gallery, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust). Purchased with the assistance of the V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund, 1981.

Location

On display
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Keywords

Label Text

In the last years of his life, Peter Paul Rubens spent long periods at his country estate outside Antwerp, painting for pleasure rather than for profit. This stunning night scene is among the most celebrated works of that period. Rubens initially included biblical figures but painted them out, making this composition entirely about the landscape. In the 18th century, this painting belonged to Joshua Reynolds, first president of the Royal Academy, who used it as a model in his lectures on art. The work also influenced British landscape painters such as John Constable.

Provenance

Possibly no. 173 in inventory after Rubens‘ death; James Boswell(?); Sir Joshua Reynolds by 1778, sold Christie’s, 11ff. Mar. 1795 (85); Earl of Bessborough, sold Christie’s, 5ff. Feb. 1801 (72); J Willett Willett, sold London, 31ff. May 1813 (84); Earl of Mulgrave, sold Christie’s, 12 May 1832 (70); Samuel Rogers, sold Christie’s, 25 June 1892 (30: Ludwig Mond; by descent. Acquired by Count Antoine Seilern from Lord Melchett, 1935; Executors of the Estate of Count Seilern; The Samuel Courtauld Trust (purchased from the Executors of the Estate of Count Seilern with the assistance of the V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund), 1981.

Exhibition History

National Gallery (permanent display during closure), National Gallery, London, 14/09/2018-03/09/2021
John Constable: The Making of a Master, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 20/09/2014-11/01/2015
Turner and the Masters, Tate Britain, London, 01/09/2009-01/01/2010
...More
National Gallery (to be displayed with permanent collection), National Gallery, London, 01/09/1997-01/06/1998
Making and meaning: Rubens's landscapes, National Gallery, London, 16/10/1996-19/01/1997
...Less

Literature

Making and meaning: Rubens's landscapes, National Gallery, London, 1996-97
cat. no. 43

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