Lively Landscape Near Antwerp. Thomas Van Apshoven (1622-1664)

Lively landscape near Antwerp. Thomas van Apshoven (1622-1664)

Oil on oak panel
Molded blackened wood frame with inverted profile

Total dimensions: 53 x 65 cm. The panel alone: ​​34 x 50 cm

For this animated landscape of three characters, the painter chose the surroundings of Antwerp in Flanders. We can easily recognize the castle ter Elst - today in ruins - it is one of the oldest buildings in the province of Antwerp.

On the way leading to the city (probably Antwerp) two walkers converse while waiting for the third who has stopped to relieve himself. All the earthiness of the Flemish masters is represented here on this small panel painted with great sensitivity.

Thomas van Apshoven (Flemish painter) was baptized on November 30, 1622 in Antwerp, he died in 1664 or 1665 in this same city.
He was probably a pupil of David Teniers the Younger, whose style he largely adopted, to the point that some of his works could be attributed to Teniers. In 1645, he was admitted to the guild of Saint-Luc in Antwerp. The same year he married Barbara Janssens with whom he had four children, one of whom had Jan van Kessel as godfather. In 1652, he was standard bearer of the 6th division of the Antwerp militia and was appointed captain of the 8th division in 1657.
Thomas van Apshoven is mainly known for his genre, village festival, cabaret or guardhouse scenes.

Very good state of preservation. Sold with invoice and certificate.