Lot 2036 Dα

Marten Ryckaert was born in Antwerp in 1587 as the son of David Ryckaert the Elder. He was apprenticed to his father and later to Tobias Verhaecht. Although not attested by sources, it is assumed that Marten visited Italy between 1605 and 1610 at the latest. During this time he probably came into contact with paintings by Adam Elsheimer and Paul Bril, as strong influences from both can be found in his style. He must have returned to Antwerp in 1611, as he was admitted to the city's Guild of St Luke in that year. Apart from the two artists mentioned, it was mainly Jan Brueghel the Elder who had an influence on his artistic development during this second phase.

The present painting is said to be dated 1629 (in an expertise by K. Ertz). It shows a village stretching out on both sides of a river. On the left the church tower rises up in the background, next to it are other buildings and a chicken coop. In the foreground are two boats with people and cattle. A very similar pictorial setting can be found in at least three other paintings by Marten Ryckaert.