Wooded Landscape with Figures

The artist depicts in detail the various uses of the woodland. Not far from a town in the valley, the figures illustrate diverse occupations in the 16th century. The Wooded Landscape with Figures is probably part of a larger landscape. Research dates the painting between 1573 and 1590, and indicates that the oak picture support has been slightly curtailed at the top, and extensively on the left side – which may account for the lack of monogram and date.
As in Brueghel’s work, Valckenborch shows wood and clearings as variously serviceable land, used both for agriculture and leisure. Killed game is shouldered and carried off in a wheelbarrow. A fisherman is distracted by girls picking flowers. High up in the foliage – dabbed with a special brush – a man seeks to rob a nest, while his partner in crime is already holding his plunder. A courtly company has settled down for a picnic in a clearing; the relaxed ambience with music is conducive to closer acquaintance.
The artist’s wealth of ideas is also evident in the charming fauna, and the activities depicted express rural peace. Rich earthy and green shades reflect the idyllic atmosphere, with red, pink and yellow garments providing highlights. In contrast is the background of town, mountains and sky, in delicate, pastel blue, green, orange and white.
A portrait (Residenzgalerie Salzburg, Inv.-no. 41) shows Valckenborch’s patron Archduke Matthias of Austria (1557–1619), who became governor-general of the Netherlands through a political manoeuvre in 1577. He appointed the artist, who followed him to Linz when he was relieved of his position.

DUCKE Astrid: Valckenborch Lucas van, Wooded landscape with figures, in: DUCKE Astrid, HABERSATTER Thomas, OEHRING Erika: Masterworks. Residenzgalerie Salzburg. Salzburg 2015, p. 88