Maris, Matthijs – Beek in het bos bij Oosterbeek, 1860 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The canvas presents a secluded woodland scene dominated by a meandering stream. The composition is structured around this waterway, which occupies the lower two-thirds of the frame and draws the eye into the depths of the forest. Dense foliage forms a thick curtain on either side, creating an atmosphere of enclosure and tranquility.
Here we see a variety of trees – some tall and slender, others gnarled and low-hanging – their branches intertwining to filter the light. The artist employed a muted palette of greens, browns, and grays, contributing to the overall somber mood. Light plays an important role; it is not harsh or direct but rather diffused and dappled, reflecting off the waters surface in shimmering patterns. This creates a sense of depth and movement within the otherwise still scene.
The brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the foliage where individual leaves are suggested rather than meticulously detailed. The texture of the bark on the trees is also rendered with visible strokes, adding to the paintings naturalistic quality. A small area of open ground is visible at the top right corner, hinting at a broader landscape beyond the immediate confines of the woods.
Subtly, the work evokes themes of solitude and introspection. The absence of human presence reinforces this sense of quietude, inviting contemplation on the power and beauty of nature. The stream itself can be interpreted as a symbol of times passage or the flow of life, its meandering course suggesting an unpredictable journey. The darkness within the forest might also suggest hidden depths or unexplored aspects of the self. Overall, the painting conveys a feeling of peaceful melancholy, characteristic of Romantic landscape traditions.