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 seen from the falcon perched on his arm. The group is probably going hunting, given the presence of the numerous greyhounds and Dalmatians accompanying them, which are typical of Van Douw's compositions. In the background, against the splendid clear blue sky, stands a hilltop village that evokes a pure charm for Italian landscapes.
Little is known about the artist's history, who is considered an accredited master of the golden age of Dutch painting: he was a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp from 1654 and in Middelburg from 1656. His pupils 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 contain references to Roman landscapes and monuments: a trip to Italy by the artist is not documented; these are probably elements taken from graphic works, which he reworked.
Some interesting facts about the signature: the signature bears the name Symon Van Douro, which is one of the ways this artist signed his name (some examples of signatures are shown in the specialist encyclopedia Benezit). Analyzing the painter's catalog 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 criticism that recognized the painter with the name Simon did not refer to this signature shown in our painting, reporting in full the name Symon Van Douro (probably an Italianization of his surname).
The canvas measures 83 x 62 cm; The frame on which it is mounted, which is about 6 cm thick, is antique and from the same era as the work.
We include a certificate of authenticity with the sale provided by our antique gallery.
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