Circle of Jan Siberechts (Flemish 1627-1703)

Artist: Circle of Jan Siberechts (Flemish 1627-1703).
Title: Peasant couple in a wooded landscape.
Medium: Oil on wooden panel.
Framed Size: Height 70 cm x Width 57 cm x Depth 5 cm.
Image Size: Height 52 cm x Width 39 cm.
Condition: The painting is in good condition and was recently restored. This consisted of surface cleaning and varnish removal, light retouching and re-varnish. Older restoration includes a cradle attached to the rear of the panel (circa 19th century). The frame is a high-quality modern reproduction moulding complementary to the piece.
Provenance: Private Collection London.
Partial chalk inventory numbers verso to panel.

About: Jan Siberechts was born in Antwerp, the son of a sculptor of the same name. He trained in Antwerp with his father and became a master in the local Guild of Saint Luke by 1648.

Siberechts had a unique take on landscape painting whilst working early in his career in Antwerp. This would ultimately lead to George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham inviting Siberechts to travel to London as he was so impressed with his work upon a visit in 1670.

Siberechts early work was heavily inspired by the Italian traditions within landscape genre painting. A notable influence is observed in relation to the works of Karel Dujardin and Nicolaes Berchem. This piece is an example of the earlier (pre-English period) of Siberechts career. It is an intriguing look at not only the artistic influences within Antwerp during the early 17th century but also the early foundations of a very prominent artist who would later go on to inspire the likes of Sir John Constable and the traditions of English landscape painting during the 18th and early 19th Century.