Gerrit Berckheyde - Landscape Of Kleve In 1661

17th century Dutch old master painting "A summer day in Kleve in 1661"

Our painting depicting a whimsical vibrant blue sky, was long believed to depict an Italian landscape. However, during archival research, an old identification referring to the city of Kleve emerged. Further research led to discovery of a very similar structure on a painting by Jan van der Heyden of Cleves from the vantage point of the Mühlberg. 

Gerrit Berckheyde was born on June 6, 1638, in Haarlem, a bustling city in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age. He was raised in a time of significant cultural and economic prosperity, which greatly influenced his artistic development. Berckheyde's passion for painting emerged at a young age, and he began his artistic journey under the tutelage of his older brother, Job Berckheyde, who was also a skilled painter. Under Job's guidance, Gerrit honed his skills and developed a keen eye for detail and composition. He showed a particular interest in capturing urban landscapes, drawn to the bustling streets and architectural marvels of cities like Haarlem and Amsterdam. Berckheyde's early works often depicted scenes of daily life, marketplaces, and cityscapes, reflecting the vibrancy and energy of Dutch urban centers. As Berckheyde matured as an artist, his style evolved, becoming more refined and sophisticated. He perfected his technique of rendering architectural elements with remarkable precision, paying close attention to perspective, light, and shadow. His paintings exuded a sense of realism and authenticity, transporting viewers to the heart of bustling city streets and market squares. Berckheyde's talent and artistic vision soon gained recognition, earning him commissions from prominent patrons and collectors. His works became highly sought after, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical significance. Through his paintings, Berckheyde documented the urban landscape of his time, preserving a visual record of Dutch society during the 17th century.

Today, Berckheyde's paintings can be found in renowned museums and art collections around the world. In the Netherlands, his works are prominently displayed in institutions such as the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis, where they continue to captivate audiences with their beauty and historical insight. Internationally, examples of his art can be seen in museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the National Gallery in London, where they contribute to the rich tapestry of Dutch Golden Age painting. Gerrit Berckheyde's legacy as a master of Dutch cityscape painting endures, his works serving as timeless reminders of a bygone era and a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the essence of life and culture.

The oil on canvas measures ca. 57*87,5 cms and with the frame ca. 62*92,5cms.

Provenance:
Collection Kees Hermsen, The Hague 1933
Collection Oppenheimer
Christie's London, July 24th 1936, Lot 97
with Prof. Singer Prague, 1938
Giorgio Caretto, Turin

Signed and dated 1661, registered in the rkd under number 216141. 

Location Italy