Veduta fantastica di un porto mediterraneo con scena di mercato
Peter Bolckman (Gorinchem, Paesi Bassi 1640 – Torino 1710)
Peter Bolckman
(Gorinchem, Netherlands 1640 – Turin 1710)
(Gorinchem, Netherlands 1640 – Turin 1710)
Fantastic view of a Mediterranean harbour with a market scene
oil on canvas
88 x 119 cm.
Contemporary gilded and lacquered wooden frame, 99 x 131 cm.
Work accompanied by an expert report by Professor Camillo Manzitti
The painting, which stands out for its extraordinary narrative richness, depicts a lively genre scene set on the quayside of an imaginary Mediterranean harbour, framed on the left by imposing ruined classical columns and opening out in the background onto a bay criss-crossed by merchant vessels and surrounded by fortifications and rocky hills.
The details that bring the scene to life are exquisite, ranging from the seated woman breastfeeding an infant beside a lavish still life of vegetables and produce, to the gentleman tasting an oyster freshly shucked by the fisherman, to the cattle merchant displaying his animals, all meticulously rendered. In the background, other secondary scenes unfold, depicting market activity and the comings and goings of figures in oriental or monastic attire, players of ‘morra’ and boats moored close to the quay.
Camillo Manzitti has attributed the painting to the catalogue of the painter Peter Bolckman (Gorinchem, 1640 – Turin, 1710), a Dutchman by birth but active mainly in Italy during the second half of the seventeenth century – first in Rome, then in Genoa and, from 1679, in Turin.
The style in which the figures are rendered and the vivid genre scenes perfectly capture the master’s instantly recognisable style, which charmingly blends the Northern European pictorial tradition with 17th-century Italian genre painting.
In particular, Bolckman’s aesthetic is characterised above all by a lively, ‘playful’ narrative style – anecdotal and popular – brought to life by genre scenes in which the various characters are depicted with subtle wit and an eye for everyday life.
Returning to our painting, of particular beauty is the great precision and wealth of detail with which the depictions of animals are rendered, the beautiful and rustic still lifes displayed by the greengrocer, and the figures, meticulously rendered and a delight to examine in every detail.
The influence of Pieter Mulier (known as Cavalier Tempesta) is also evident; he was probably Bolckman’s teacher during the latter’s stay in Genoa, and this influence is apparent when observing the distinctive landscape aesthetic, not to mention that Bolckman produced interesting views of Genoa and Turin.
The works of Pieter Mauritz Bolckman are highly prized by collectors; those of high quality are in demand at Italian and international auctions and command very high prices.
A work similar to ours, both in style and compositional choices, was offered in 2010 at the Della Rocca Auction House in Turin (Pietro Maurizio Bolckman, Market Outside the City Gates, oil on canvas, 98 x 191 cm, Estimate: €35,000–40,000). See photographic details.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In good condition. With an antique frame (in good condition, with some imperfections and minor losses).
The work is sold complete with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda, by appointment, where we will be delighted to welcome you and show you the works you are interested in.
Please feel free to contact us, with no obligation, for any further information.
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