Simon de Vlieger
VIEW OF A DUNE AND A COAST WITH LIGHTHOUSE AND FISHERMEN
Oil on panel. 56 x 88,5 cm.
We thank Prof. Jan Kelch for his assistance to catalogue this painting. According to his information, this work has been in German collections since the 19th century. In its present unrestored condition, it is only vaguely possible to sense the signature, mentioned in older literature, on the lower right.
Simon de Vlieger's paintings of beaches and dunes were created mostly in the 1640's, the dated established by Kelch as well. They show groups of figures reaching far into the background. This perspective allows for a wide horizon, deftly emphasized by light and shadow. Vlieger's entire work encircles the nautical scenery of the Dutch coast: ferries, fishing boats, jetties, beaches, ships, and bounty from the sea. The tonal technique based on grey and ochre, in our example, belongs to the finest of colour work in Dutch art. During the middle of the century, these tonal objects became less interesting, and the palette of the painters returns to colour.
Provenance
Georg Stange, Lübeck. - C. Michel, Mainz, before 1887. - Auction Michel Lepke, Berlin, 21.2.1917, lot 19. - Private collection, Germany.
Literature
Th. Levin in: Kunstchronik 23, 1887, p. 518 (Review of the exhibition in Düsseldorf). - H. Thode: Repertorium für Kunstwissenschaft, X (1887), p. 414 (review of exhibition in Mainz). - Jan Kelch: Studien zu Simon de Vlieger als Marinemaler, Berlin 1971, p. 165, no. 86.
Exhibitions
Düsseldorf 1886, no. 518. - Mainz 1887, no. 286.