Jochem Govertsz. Camphuysen, attributed to
A WOODED LANDSCAPE WITH PEASANTS AND A DONKEY
Oil on panel. 25.5 x 35 cm.
The reverse of the panel bears the remains of a red varnish collector's seal with the inscription "Gott wil[...]", and the number "255" in white, which is also to be found on the frame. The hand-forged hanging hook on the frame is the same as those of both paintings from Gerard Thomas (Lot 1299), which also come from the collection of the kurkölnisch minister Ferdinand Graf von Plettenberg (1690-1737).
Marijke de Kinkelder, RKD The Hague, has attributed the work to Joachim Govertsz Camphuysen in 1999, after it long being attributed to Jacob van Geel (cf. RKD-no. 60690). Camphuysen, who resided in Amsterdam since 1621, came from a family of artists: Both his uncle Dirck Rafaelsz and his brother Rafael Govertsz worked as landscape painters, whilst his sister was married to Aert van der Neer. The preference of both Camphuysen brothers for evening and night scenes, as shown in this work, presumably served as inspiration for the slightly younger artist van der Neer.
Provenance
Ferdinand Graf von Plettenberg collection (1690-1737), Nordkirchen castle. - Inherited by a Westphalian aristocratic family late 18th century. Auction Christie's, South Kensington, 27.10.1999, lot 283. - German aristocratic collection.