Bentheim Castle

Dutch painter Jacob van Ruisdael painted this Bentheim Castle rising above a rocky landscape. The fortress sits dramatically atop a hill, surrounded by dense forest and dramatic sky. Ruisdael actually visited this German castle and made several versions of the scene.

The painting shows Ruisdael's mastery of atmospheric landscape. Clouds build overhead while light catches the castle walls. Versions of this subject exist at the Art Institute of Chicago and National Gallery of Ireland.