Willem Muys – "Young Country Girl Resting by a Tree"

Artist: Willem Muys (1720–1764)
Title: Young Country Girl Resting by a Tree
Medium: Pencil and Watercolor
Dimensions: 18.5 x 23.7 cm
Date: 1749
Signature: Signed "WM" in the lower left corner
Condition Report: The upper corner shows some inclination, with the artwork laid on paper.

Description:

This delicate 18th-century work by Willem Muys, a Dutch painter known for his portraiture and biblical scenes, presents a tranquil countryside setting. The piece, rendered in gray and white washes, captures a young country girl at rest beneath a tree, evoking a sense of peace and simplicity. The detailed brushwork and tonal variations showcase Muys' mastery of watercolor techniques.

The scene's composition echoes the artist’s interest in pastoral life and biblical narratives, as reflected in his other works, including those inspired by Genesis 49. A member of the Guild of St. Luke in Rotterdam, Muys’ influence in Dutch Baroque portraiture and illustration is evident in this finely detailed study.