Landscape by Moonlight
Maker
(Artists)
1577-1640
1577-1640
Title
Landscape by Moonlight
Date of Production
1635-40
Medium
oil on panel
Dimensions
Height: 64 cm (panel)
Width: 90 cm (panel)
Width: 90 cm (panel)
Accession Number
P.1978.PG.380
Mode of Acquisition
Estate of Count Antoine Seilern, purchase & grant aid, 1981
Credit
The Courtauld, 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
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, 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
John Constable: The making of a master, Victoria and Albert Museum, 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
cat. no. 43
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