Johann Bernhard Klombeck and Eugene Joseph Verboeckhoven

Patterson & Shipman, London (by 1966)
Sale: Sotheby's, London, 14 February 1979, lot 76
Kunsthandel A.H. Bies, Eindhoven
Purchased from the above by the family of the present owner circa 1990

The Connoisseur, London, April 1966, illustrated
Apollo, London, June 1979, illustrated
Patrick & Viviane Berko, Eugène Verboeckhoven, Brussels, 1981, p. 48, catalogued & illustrated
Johann Bernhard Klombeck, 1815-1893. Ein Landschaftsmaler der Klever Romantik, exh. cat., Kleve, 1993, p. 82, no. 63/90, catalogued & illustrated

The canvas has been relined. There is a faint pattern of hairline craquelure visible under close inspection. Ultra-violet light reveals notably a vertical circa 6cm thin stroke of retouching in the sky to the upper left (just visible in the catalogue illustration, and possibly corresponding to an old repair), some small areas of faint fluorescence in the sky probably corresponding to old retouchings, primarily in the cloud in the upper centre and towards the upper-left and upper-right corners, and some strokes in the snow below the cattle and drivers which probably correspond to old strengthening. The overall appearance of the painting under normal light is good and it is ready to hang. The catalogue illustration is reasonably accurate, however the colours are less pink overall in reality. Presented in a decorative frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Painted in 1863 the present work is a collaboration by Klombeck and Verboeckhoven that showcases each painter's talents to best effect.

Johann Klombeck had studied in Kleve as a pupil of the great Dutch Romantic landscape painter Barend Cornelis Koekkoek (see lot 76). Romantic motifs such as prominent trees and ruins, stormy weather and figures fighting against the elements, all superbly executed, subsequently played an important part in Klombeck's oeuvre. Compositions with prominent diagonal elements, such as tracks and streams disappearing into the background are strongly reminiscent of the works of B.C. Koekkoek and were compositional elements often employed by Klombeck. In the present work the snowy path lined with ancient oaks leads the eye into the composition, following the sheep, cattle and their herders on their way to evening shelter.

Klombeck was most probably introduced to Eugene Verboeckhoven, the preeminent animal painter of the Romatic School, by B.C. Koekkoek, who had himself collaborated with the artist in 1844. Klombeck first worked with Verboeckhoven in 1856 and frequently did so thereafter. The present work was painted when both artists were at the height of their careers. While Klombeck's depiction of the snow-covered landscape renders palpable the atmosphere of a cold winter's day, Verboeckhoven superbly depicts the moving animals and figures within the composition.