Simon Van Douw, Hunting Scene with Falconer, 1600s, Painting

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Splendid genre scene signed by the Dutch master Symon Johannes Van Douw (1630-1677). The scene takes place in a rocky … Read more Splendid genre scene signed by the Dutch master Symon Johannes Van Douw (1630-1677). The scene takes place in a rocky clearing where various subjects are depicted preparing to water their horses at a fountain with a clear reference to classicism. One of them is a falconer, as can be deduced from the hawk resting on his arm. The group is probably going hunting, given the presence of the numerous greyhounds and Dalmatians that accompany them and are typical of Van Douw's compositions. In the background, against the splendid blue and clear sky, stands a hilltop village that evokes a pure fascination for Italian landscapes. Little is known about the artist's history, considered an accredited master of the golden age of Dutch painting: he was a member of the Guild of St. Luke in Antwerp from 1654 and in Middelburg from 1656. His students included Pieter van Bloemen and Nicolas de La Haye. The themes of his production mainly consist of battle scenes with horses and genre episodes, sometimes using models taken from engravings by other artists, such as Pieter van Laer. Some scenes feature landscapes and Roman monuments: a trip to Italy by the artist is not documented; these are probably elements taken from graphic works, reworked by him. Some interesting facts about the signature: the signature bears the name Symon Van Douro, which is one of the ways this artist signs (some examples of signatures are shown by the specialist encyclopedia Benezit). Analysing the painter's catalogue through the RKD archive, it can be noted that full signatures are very rare, as he usually abbreviated the name Symon with an "S". It is therefore plausible that the critic who recognised the painter with the name Simon did not refer to this signature on our painting, reporting the name Symon Van Douro in full (probably an Italianisation of his surname). The canvas measures 83 x 62 cm; the frame on which it is mounted, approximately 6 cm in section, is ancient and from the same era as the work. A certificate of authenticity provided by our antique gallery is enclosed with the sale. See less