Lot 2071 Dα

Inscribed on the reverse of the panel: "Herman Saftleven. f. utrecht. / Anno 1673." With an old label with a crown inscribed "H 469", as well as a further label with an illegible hand-written inscription on the back of the stretcher.

This work, painted with miniaturesque delicacy, is a prime example of the type of landscape developed by Herman Saftleven showing a river valley seen from above flanked by steep mountain faces on either side. Alongside the illusion of depth and breadth evoked in the landscape, especially impressive due to its small format, what is most fascinating about this work are the detailed figures which populate it, for example the rider on his heavily laden pony who stands out among the precarious heights of the pale background.