Follower of Simon Johannes Van Douw, Knight Landscape, 1700, Oil on Canvas

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Simon Johannes van Douw (Antwerp 1630 ca. - 1677 ca.) follower of
A traveler on horseback resting near a post … Read more Simon Johannes van Douw (Antwerp 1630 ca. - 1677 ca.) follower of
A traveler on horseback resting near a post station

Oil on canvas
45 x 55 cm
Framed 55 x 65 cm.

In this pleasant painting, depicting a knight resting near a post station, the Flemish tradition is based on a strong Italianizing sensibility, especially observing the setting and its peculiar brightness.

The mix of genres and the particular style of execution easily lead to the attribution of the work to a Nordic artist active in Rome, or one strongly influenced by the style in vogue in the Eternal City between the 17th and 18th centuries: we are referring, in particular, to a follower of the Antwerp artist Simon Johannes van Douw. The chromatic elegance and the refinement with which he outlines the figures are typical aspects of his painting.

The scene takes place outside a farmhouse, presumably a post station for travellers, where a modest family divides the tasks of assisting the knights. We see a young boy offering water to the horse before it sets off again, the father preparing to feed him with straw and the mother taking care of her little son.

The Italian reminiscences, evident in our painting, were absorbed by many Northern European authors such as Nicolaes Berchem, Philips Wouwerman and Johannes Lingelbach, all inspired by the leader Pieter van Laer, documented in Rome from 1625 to 1639 and considered the founder of the Bamboccianti movement.

It is not known whether Simon Van Douw visited our Peninsula: the few certain biographical data indicate that in 1655 and 1656 he is documented as an independent master in Antwerp, where he probably spent most of his life and where Carel de Fonteyn and Pieter van Bloemen trained. However, a trip to Italy cannot be ruled out, even if there were many graphic or painted examples from which artists could access and draw inspiration, just think of Philips Wouwerman who owned countless drawings by van Laer.

The painting, in excellent condition, has a professionally executed relining.

Complete with authenticity expertise (FIMA) This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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