In the sixteenth century the figures gradually get smaller and less important, and towards the end of the century disappear.

As the song says, 'a very different thing by far' is painting a landscape background and painting a whole landscape picture.

Before the end of the century Rubens painted some wonderful landscapes, and he was soon followed by a great number of very fine landscape painters in Holland.

Cuyp was one of many.
In a Dutch landscape we cannot expect the rich colouring of Italy.
The colouring of Holland is low toned, and tender gradations lead away to the low and level horizon.

The canals are sluggish and grey, and the clouds often heavy and dark.