Brigands With The Spoils Dutch School, Circa 1670–1720

Brigands with the Spoils

Dutch school, circa 1670–1720

Oil on oak panel

Dimensions: H 37.5 cm × W 63 cm

Brigands or soldiers? The uniforms suggest discipline, but the gestures speak of plunder. No buildings are visible — only an open, undefined space where armed men divide sumptuous spoils: silverware, embroidered fabrics, jewels, weapons. The tone is silent, theatrical, suspended: a scene that blends military imagery with moral painting, where greed replaces honour.

The work belongs to the late 17th-century Dutch repertoire of war and looting scenes and can be attributed to the circle of Willem Cornelisz. Duyster (Amsterdam 1599 – 1635). The composition reinterprets a famous prototype by the artist, Interieur met buitverdelende soldaten (ca. 1625–30), known in several versions. Among the most notable: Luton Hoo (Wernher Collection, RKD), William Benton Museum of Art (signed “WD”), formerly in the Koenigs Collection (cited by Hofstede de Groot), and featured in historic auctions at Christie’s (1969, Van Alen Collection) and Sotheby’s New York (1979).

The horizontal format supports a well-structured narrative with rich variety in costume and a large cast of characters, each distinct — including, at the far right, a dwarf dressed in military attire. The figures are rhythmically arranged, and the scene overflows with lavish, precious objects. The magnificent rendering of materials — metals, textiles, woods, and weapons — reflects the technical skill characteristic of Dutch painting between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The work does not appear in public collections or recorded sales, suggesting it remained in private hands for a long time.

Condition:

Original oak panel, horizontal format, uncradled. The painted surface shows an antique patina, minor abrasions along the margins, and some small areas of old retouching. The painting is structurally sound and remains fully legible.