Fantasy winter landscape with lake and city on the banks

About 1650

Oils on canvas

62 x 93, in frames 82 x 112

The work is accompanied by an expertise of Dr. Fred G. Meijer (Amsterdam)

The celebration of winter was, in the context of Flemish landscape painting, an extremely loved and sought-after theme by the cultured patrons of the seventeenth century, representing a real autonomous artistic trend.

As confirmed by Professor Fred Meijer, following his in-depth study, it is a typical painting by the Flemish painter Hans de Jode (The Hague, 1630 - Vienna, 1663) and is a true collector's rarity, since the painter's canvases are almost exclusively the prerogative of public collections and are difficult to find on the market.

In our case, the scene is permeated by that inimitable fairytale halo that made the Flemish master's works famous, a representation with an enchanted, romantic atmosphere, where the small fantasy details and the magical winter atmosphere are enhanced, characterized by rough rocky landscapes. with bridges, towers and cities on the banks, emphasized by a very accentuated brightness.

There is a reduced color palette, with expertly combined cold and warm shades; an almost unreal silence prevails in the painting, in which everything is enveloped by an almost unreal stillness, typical of his landscapes.

Born in the Hague, the artist had an eventful life, which saw him stay for most of his life in Italy, Rome and Venice, and finally in Vienna, working as a painter of the imperial court.

The scholar hypothesizes a temporal collocation in the Italian period of De Jode, presumably around 1650/1660, when the author stayed in Rome, where he came into contact with the works of Salvator Rosa, as documented by the influence of the latter. it is captured in his more or less fantastic landscapes, characterized by a fluid and fast brushstroke and by a compositional scheme often of diagonal cut, with bizarre patches of trees and a contrasting luminism.

By way of comparison, we can illustrate below some of the author's works that show clear analogy with the composition in question, including:

- Landscape with waterfall, 1657, Castelvecchio Museum (Italy, Verona)

- Landscape with bathers, Fabre Museum (France, Montpellier)

- Mountain Landscape with Shepherds, 1660, Kromeriz Castle Museum (now National Gallery, Prague)

- Landscape with river and tower, Christie's (Amsterdam) 2001-11-07, lot 28

- Landscape, Rome C. Sestieri Collection

- Landscape with bridge and cross, Valtice Castle, National monument of the Czech Republic

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is completed with a pleasant gilded wooden frame.

The work is sold with a certificate of guarantee and authenticity, with a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the Riva del Garda gallery, by appointment; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, to receive any other information.

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