(circle of) Ruysdael, Jacob Salomonsz. Paintings

Jacob Salomonszoon van Ruysdael, often associated with the 'circle of Ruysdael,' was a Dutch Golden Age painter who was part of a family of artists that had a significant impact on the development of landscape painting. Born around 1629 in Haarlem, Netherlands, Jacob was a relative of the more famous Salomon van Ruysdael and the nephew of the preeminent Jacob van Ruisdael, although the exact family relations are sometimes unclear due to the common use of the Ruysdael name.

Jacob's work was influenced by the Haarlem school of painting, which was known for its realistic depiction of nature and emphasis on landscapes. His paintings often featured the Dutch countryside, including dunes, forests, and rivers, depicted with a keen eye for naturalistic detail and a moody atmosphere. He was part of a movement that saw landscape painting rise in prominence, which had previously been considered a lesser genre in comparison to history painting.

Despite the similarity in names and the shared focus on landscape art, Jacob Salomonszoon van Ruysdael should not be confused with his more acclaimed contemporary, Jacob van Ruisdael, whose works are characterized by a dramatic use of light and shadow and a greater degree of emotional expression. Jacob Salomonszoon worked primarily in Haarlem, where he was a member of the Haarlem Guild of St. Luke. The guild records have provided much of what is known about his life and career.

Jacob Salomonszoon van Ruysdael's death date is not precisely known, but it is believed that he died around 1681. His works have sometimes been overshadowed by those of his relatives, and as a result, his paintings are less well-known today. Nonetheless, his contributions to Dutch landscape painting are recognized by art historians, and his works can be found in various museum collections, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Mauritshuis in The Hague. The 'circle of Ruysdael' indicates that while his exact contributions to specific paintings can be difficult to ascertain, his style and influence were part of the broader Ruysdael artistic legacy.