Estimated Price:

   £   

Realised Price:

   £   

What is this symbol? This symbol indicates that this auction hose has verified this price result.

Log in or subscribe to view price data

FIGURES ON A MARKET SQUARE

46,5 by 58,5 cm.

signed with the monogram and dated 51 l.r.; marked with the monogram on the reverse

oil on panel

PROVENANCE

Sale Amsterdam (Frederik Muller), 3 March 1903, lot 143

LITERATURE

W. Laanstra, H.C. de Bruin, Dr. J.H.A. Ringeling, Cornelis Springer (1871-1891), Utrecht 1984, cat.no. 51-3, illustrated

NOTE

Cornelis Springer was by far the most talented Dutch painter of townscapes. He was born into an Amsterdam family of building contractors. From his brother Hendrik, Springer learnt the principles of architectural drawing and perspective, from which he profited his entire career. At the age of eighteen, he became a student of Kaspar Karsen, himself a talented painter of townscapes. Following in the footsteps of his famous teacher, Springer specialised exclusively in town views. He travelled throughout the country, making studies on the spot, which he turned into finished paintings in his Amsterdam studio.

Springer's townscapes usually depict the centre of the town with some characteristic buildings, painted with a fine eye for historical detail. The richly decorated patrician houses furnished him with a great opportunity to display his painterly skills. He populated his town views with numerous figures, which adds to the liveliness of his pictures. In the beautiful, detailed depiction of the architecture, the genre-like scenes and the well-handled play of light, the present lot is a great example of Springer's unique talent. The painting has remained in the same family for over a century.