Simon Johannes van Douw (1630 - 1677) seguace di

Simon Johannes van Douw (Antwerp circa 1630 - circa 1677) follower of The stop of a horse rider near a post station Oil on canvas 45 x 55 cm Framed 55 x 65 cm Artwork details: https://www.antichitacastelbarco.it/it/prodotto/simon-van-douw--seguace-cavaliere-a-riposo In this pleasant painting, depicting a knight stopping near a post station, the Flemish tradition merges with a strong Italianizing sensibility, especially when observing the setting and its peculiar luminosity. The mixture of genres and the particular style of execution easily lead to attributing the work to a Nordic author but active in Rome, or 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 delineates the figures are typical aspects of his painting. The scene takes place outside a farmhouse, presumably a post station for travelers, where a modest family divides the tasks assisting the knights. We see a young boy offering water to the horse, the father prepares to feed it with straw, and the mother takes care of the young child. The Italian reminiscences, evident in our painting, were absorbed by many authors from Northern Europe such as Nicolaes Berchem, Philips Wouwerman, or Johannes Lingelbach, all inspired by the leader Pieter van Laer, documented in Rome from 1625 to 1639 and considered the founder of the bamboccianti current. It is not known if Simon Van Douw visited Italy: 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 with him. However, a trip to Italy cannot be excluded, even if there were numerous graphic or painted examples that artists could access and find inspiration from, just think of Philips Wouwerman who possessed countless drawings by van Laer. The painting, in excellent condition, has a professionally executed relining. Accompanied by expertise of authenticity (FIMA) For any further information you are welcome to contact us freely. Professional and insured shipping, performed under our supervision.