Cornelis Springer Dutch, 1817-1891

Cornelis Springer was by far the most talented Dutch painter of townscapes. He was born into an Amsterdam family of building contractors. From his brother Hendrik, Springer learnt the principles of architectural drawing and perspective, from which he profited his entire career. At the age of eighteen, he became a student of Kaspar Karsen, himself a talented painter of townscapes. Following in the footsteps of his famous teacher, Springer specialised exclusively in town views. He travelled throughout the country, making studies on the spot, which he turned into finished paintings in his Amsterdam studio.

Springer’s townscapes usually depict the centre of the town with some characteristic buildings, painted with a fine eye for historical detail. The richly decorated patrician houses furnished him with a great opportunity to display his painterly skills. He populated his town views with numerous figures, which adds to the liveliness of his pictures. In the beautiful, detailed depiction of the architecture, the genre-like scenes and the well-handled play of light, the present lot is a great example of Springer’s unique talent. The painting has remained in the same family for over a century.