Landscape with waterfall and figures, oil on canvas from the second half of the 17th century in a contemporary frame.

Precious oil on canvas, possibly Dutch School, depicting a beautiful natural landscape. Rocks and lush vegetation form a natural arch from which a captivating waterfall descends. The waterfall is the focal point of the scene, with the figures present engaged in some form of hydraulic engineering activity, which warrants further investigation. This is undoubtedly a high-quality painting where the artist masterfully renders the fine details of nature, such as the movement of the waterfall's water as it crashes into the riverbed and among the rocks, demonstrating a highly valuable mastery of light. The right foreground is occupied by large wooden piles supporting a kind of pier. From there, a monk in a tunic is pulling a rope to ring an alarm or signaling bell, likely related to the hydraulic activity. At the base of the structure, two elderly priests are depicted, possibly as supervisors. The painting can be dated to the second half of the 17th century, more specifically the last quarter. Given the subject matter and the attention to naturalistic and luministic details, it was likely executed by a student or a painter close to Jacob Van Ruisdael (Haarlem 1628 - Amsterdam 1682). Overall, a noteworthy painting that deserves more in-depth study, and one that may hold further surprises. The canvas dimensions are 70cm x 60cm. The painting is housed in a splendid gilded and carved frame from the early 18th century. We are attaching a certificate of authenticity.