Cornelis Springer Dutch 1817-1891

Acquired directly from the artist on 31 August 1869 by J.C. van Pappelendam (1810-1884), Amsterdam, for 550 Dutch guilders

Private collection, The Netherlands

W. Laanstra, H.C. de Bruijn, Dr. J.H.A. Ringeling, Cornelis Springer (1817-1891), Utrecht 1984, no. 69-9, p. 164

P.O.M. flet, edition of the Prov. Overijssels Museum, October 1981, p. 1

In his day Cornelis Springer was by far the most reputed painter of townscapes. Born in Amsterdam in 1817, he was raised in a family of carpenters and building contractors. His brother Hendrik, himself an architect, taught him the principles of architectural drawing and perspective, from which he benefited his entire career. After completing his studies at the Amsterdam Academy, Springer continued his training under Kaspar Karsen, a well known painter of romantic townscapes. Like his teacher Karsen, under whom he studied from 1835 till 1837, Springer painted mainly fantasised town views (so called capriccio´s) in the early years of his career. He soon realised that recognisable town views were much more in demand and shifted his attention to topographical accurate scenes. Springer established an international reputation as a painter of town views, rendered with a fine eye for historical detail. From the mid-50´s onwards his fame grew steadily. Springer´s work fetched high prices and was rewarded with numerous prizes.

The present lot depicts Zwolle, one of the towns Springer admired for its picturesque qualities and beautiful historical sites. Springer´s view focusses on the centre of the town, called Grote Markt, which is populated with many figures. To the left we see the church with its characteristic entrance, which still exists today. Although in general Springer didn´t eschew to embellish the arrangement of his pictures to heighten the picturesque effect, this town view reflects the actual situation perfectly. During one of his visits to the town of Zwolle, Springer first studied the situation on the spot. The charcoal drawings he produced served him as the basis for his painting, which was executed in his Amsterdam studio. The detailed depiction of the architecture, the well-handled play of light and the lively staffage betray a painter of great talent.

According to the sales records the artist kept, Springer sold the painting on 31 August 1869 to the art dealer J.C. van Pappelendam, by far his biggest client. In de period 1856-1872 Van Pappelendam acquired no less than 63 paintings from the artist. He paid 550 Dutch guilders for this view of Zwolle, a substantial amount at that time, given the fact that an average yearly income mounted up to 85 Dutch guilders. Since then the picture has always stayed in private hands. Until recently it was on loan to the Stedelijk Museum in Zwolle.