Aert Van Der Neer (1603–1677) And Workshop. Moonlight Landscape With Two Fishermen

Moonlight Landscape with Two Fishermen in the Foreground. Signed with the painter's monogram on the tree trunk in the lower left. Presented in a very fine Louis XIII period carved oak frame with its original gilding. Oil on oak panel, composed of three planks. Overall dimensions: 75 x 98 cm. Panel only: 58.5 x 82.5 cm. This remarkable work, attributed to the Dutch Golden Age master Aert van der Neer, depicts a poetic nocturnal scene: a view of Boom on the Rupel River, bathed in the soft, silvery moonlight. Two fishermen occupy the foreground, adding a human touch to this silent and contemplative landscape. The composition, subtly balanced between dramatic sky and aquatic reflections, testifies to van der Neer's talent for capturing twilight atmospheres and the effects of light. The vast, cloudy sky opens onto a moonlit expanse that illuminates the dark masses of land and water. The finely sculpted clouds create a play of contrasts that accentuates the painting's depth. The calm, shimmering river reflects the celestial light with almost tactile precision. On the left bank, a sailboat is moored, while two fishermen stand nearby, modest figures but essential to the scene's balance. Further on, several boats glide silently across the water, their silhouettes blending into the twilight, suggesting discreet but continuous river activity. The opposite bank reveals a small Dutch town, identifiable by its slender steeples and sloping roofs. The architecture, understated and integrated into the landscape, stands out against the luminous sky. The buildings, rendered with economy of means, evoke the tranquility of a sleepy town, while the bare trees in the foreground add a melancholic note to the whole. A known engraving and also a drawing attest to the existence of this model, which must have been painted several times, reinforcing the historical interest of this piece. The oak panel, made up of three planks, is typical of the supports used in the 17th century, and the quality of the workmanship as well as the treatment of chiaroscuro are characteristic of the artist. Biography of the artist: Aert van der Neer (Amsterdam, 1603–1677) was a Dutch landscape painter renowned for his nocturnal and winter scenes. A contemporary of Rembrandt, he specialized in views of rivers and canals in moonlight, sensitively capturing atmospheric nuances and aquatic reflections. Although he experienced financial difficulties during his lifetime, his work is now recognized for its finesse and originality. His paintings are held in numerous prestigious collections, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the National Gallery in London. This painting presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a work evocative of 17th-century Dutch landscape painting, attributed to one of its greatest interpreters. In good condition. Sold with a certificate of authenticity.