Attributed To Adriaen Van Der Kabel, 1631–1705 (silk Trade In The Middle East)

The painter takes us to an imaginary Mediterranean port, just as the golden evening light stretches the shadows.

On the left, a large English ship has just dropped anchor.

Smoke from the salute cannon still drifts around the masts as a small boat heads toward shore.

On the beach, there is a lively bustle: merchants in hats from Europe are negotiating the unloading of chests and bales of silk with Orientals in turbans.

Amid ancient ruins and under the gaze of a Moorish bust carved in stone, cultures intersect in trade. More than just a scene of commerce, the painting captures the era’s passion for travel and the dream of a distant Orient, bathed in the gentle lapping of the waves

* The quality of the ship’s ropes bears the mark of a talented artist; it is a work that inspires us to dream
** Never before offered at public auction; formerly from a private collection (Uccle 1180 Brussels)

Condition: superb; oil on oak panel
Dimensions: 103 cm x 72 cm

On view: At “Sablon Antiques Center,” 39 Place du Grand Sablon, 1000 Brussels