A moonlit river landscape with a village, a windmill and church beyond, with travellers on a path in the foreground

Before you is "A moonlit river landscape with a village, a windmill and church beyond, with travellers on a path in the foreground," a captivating painting by Aert van der Neer, dating back to 1670. This remarkable piece is part of the Jacques Goudstikker collection. nn The painting masterfully captures a serene Dutch river scene under the silvery glow of a full moon. The moon, a luminous disc in a dark, cloudy sky, casts a soft, yellowish-white light across the landscape. Notice the skillful use of dark olive greens and brownish-greys in the clouds, creating a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. nn The river itself is a dark, reflective surface, mirroring the moon's light in subtle highlights. Along the riverbank, a village nestles, its buildings rendered in dark browns and blacks, hinting at the warm glow within. A windmill stands silhouetted against the moonlit sky in the middle ground, and a church spire rises in the distance, anchoring the village in the scene. nn In the foreground, a path meanders through the landscape. Two figures, perhaps travelers, are depicted in dark clothing, their forms subtly suggested against the darker earth tones. The overall palette is muted and subdued, a harmonious blend of dark greens, browns, and blacks, punctuated by the moon's pale light. nn Van der Neer's masterful use of chiaroscuro—the dramatic contrast of light and shadow—creates a truly atmospheric effect. The moon acts as the primary light source, illuminating certain areas while leaving others shrouded in darkness, enhancing the painting's sense of mystery and tranquility. The overall mood is one of peaceful quietude, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age night scenes. It evokes a feeling of stillness and the gentle passage of time. Enjoy the subtle details and the evocative atmosphere of this beautiful work.