The Soignes Forest with Market Vendors

The Forest of Sonian was a favourite theme of Belgian painters in the 17th century. Stimulated by Denijs van Alsloot, it gave rise to a unique decorative style, of which Lucas Achtschellinck, Lodewijk de Vadder, and Jacques dArthois are the most important representatives. Compositions were mostly based on existing sites, which the artists rearranged and ordered on the canvas. Their preference was for sweeping landscapes framed by trees, with a far off view in the distance, as seen here in this sunken road with sandy slope, in which the golden hues of the sand contrast with the rather cold green of the trees and the pale blue sky. Despite the presence of the small figures in the foreground, the overwhelming focus is upon nature.