Hunting Expedition With A Falconer, By The Dutch Master Simon Van Douw (1630–1677)

A splendid genre scene by the Dutch master Symon Johannes Van Douw (1630–1677). The scene takes place in a rocky clearing where various figures are depicted preparing to water their horses at a fountain, with a clear reference to classicism.
One of them is a falconer, as can be inferred from the falcon resting on his arm. The group is likely setting out on a hunt, given the presence of the numerous greyhounds and Dalmatian accompanying them—animals typical of Van Douw’s compositions. In the background, against the splendid clear blue sky, a hillside village stands out, evoking the pure charm of Italian landscapes.

Little is known about the artist’s life, though he is considered an established master of the Golden Age of Dutch painting: he was a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp from 1654 and in Middelburg from 1656. His students included, among others, Pieter van Bloemen and Nicolas de La Haye. The themes of his work consist mainly of battle scenes featuring horses and genre scenes, sometimes using models drawn from engravings by other artists, such as Pieter van Laer. Some scenes feature Roman landscapes and monuments: there is no documented record of the artist having traveled to Italy; these elements were likely taken from prints, which he then reworked.

Some interesting facts about the signature: the signature reads “Symon Van Douro,” which is one of the ways this artist signed his work (some examples of signatures are listed in the specialized encyclopedia Benezit). An analysis of the painter’s catalog via the RKD archive reveals that full signatures are very rare, as he typically abbreviated the name “Symon” with an “S.” It is therefore plausible that the critic who identified the painter as “Simon” did not refer to this signature found in our painting, which spells out the name “Symon Van Douro” (likely an Italianized version of his surname). 

The canvas measures 83 x 62; the frame on which it is mounted, approximately 6 cm thick, dates from the same period as the work.

We include with the sale a certificate of authenticity provided by our antique gallery.

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