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 office Oil on canvas cm 45 x 55 Framed cm 55 x 65 Artwork details: https://www.antichitacastelbarco.it/it/prodotto/simon-van-douw--seguace-cavaliere-a-riposo In this pleasant painting, depicting a knight resting near a post office, the Flemish tradition merges with a strong Italianate sensibility, especially when observing the setting and its peculiar luminosity. The mixture of genres and the particular style of execution make it easy to trace the paternity 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, probably a post office for travelers, where a modest family divides tasks by helping the knights. We see a young boy offering water to the horse before it leaves, the father is preparing to replenish it with straw, and the mother is taking care of the young son instead. The Italian reminiscences, evident in our painting, have been 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 current of the bamboccianti. 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 Carel de Fonteyn and Pieter van Bloemen trained with him. However, a trip to Italy cannot be excluded, even if there were many graphic or painted examples that artists could access and be inspired by, 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, please feel free to contact us. Professional and insured shipping, carried out under our supervision.