A Dutch Farm with the Ruins of the Huis te Kleef
The Huis te Kleef was largely destroyed by the Spanish in 1567 during the siege of Haarlem. Its inclusion in Camphuysen’s landscape should probably be read as a patriotic emblem. The picture was painted c.1650 and combines the type of landscape and cattle found in the paintings of Potter (q.v.) with golden light effects reminiscent of the Dutch Italianates and of Cuyp (q.v.) in particular. The shadows cast by the evening glow lend the picture a distinctive eerie quality, and despite the rather crude draughtsmanship of certain details, this atmospheric effect has led to its being considered Camphuysen’s masterpiece. The picture was described as such in the 2nd Baron Northwick sale where it was bought for the 4th Marquess of Hertford.
c. 1650
Oil on oak panel
84.3 x 115.5cm
P132
Images and text © Wallace Collection, 2017