Interior Of A Cathedral Animated With Figures. Hendrick Van Steenwijck II (1580-1649) Attr

Dutch School of the 17th century Oil on oak panel Presented in a so-called "Cassetta" frame in heavily molded fruitwood. Dimensions with the frame: 67 x 85 cm. The panel alone: 51 x 69 cm. The painting of church interiors appeared in Flanders around 1570 with Hendrick van Steenwick the Elder. This new genre has its roots in the achievements of the imaginary perspectives of Hans Vredeman de Vries (1527-1606) and developed throughout the 17th century. Many Flemish and then Dutch painters specialized in this genre, whose vogue spread throughout Europe, particularly in France. Our painting is a representative example of this practice. The composition focuses on a meticulous rendering of the decor and details. Note the clothing of the figures, both antique (entering through the monumental door on the left, and the one in the center of the composition) and in the fashion of the time with the two men conversing behind the column. I would like to point out that the figures are often the work of another painter, in close collaboration with the master. In an effort to monumentalize, he increases the height in relation to the width, by stretching the length of the columns and arches. He arranges the lines of the tiles longitudinally, to increase the feeling of infinite distance and minimizes the size of the figures to give even more scale to the building. The contrast between the deep shadows in the foreground and the light parts in the distance leads the viewer's eye to a symbolic space bathed in an almost supernatural light. This cathedral has lost its character as a place of meditation and silence and seems to be an integral part of the daily life of parishioners from all levels of society. Hendrick van Steenwijck II (also Steenwyck, Steinwick, called the Younger), was a Flemish Baroque painter born around 1580 in Antwerp and died in 1649 in Leiden or The Hague. He is known for his works illustrating architectural interiors, but also biblical scenes and still lifes. With his parents, he left his hometown in 1586 to live in Frankfurt am Main. He was trained very early by his father, the Dutch painter Hendrik van Steenwijk I (or Hendrik van Steenwijk the Elder, a pioneer in illustrating architectural interiors), and supported him in his work. It is very difficult to differentiate the works of this period: until his father's death in 1603, he did not sign his paintings. After his father's death in 1603, Van Steenwick the Younger took over his father's business in Frankfurt, and was mainly active in this city and in Antwerp from 1604 to 1615. There he collaborated with Flemish Baroque painters such as Frans I Francken and Jan Brueghel the Elder. Very beautiful original condition! Sold with certificate