catalog text
HENDRICK MARTINUS FREDERIK GEORGE SAVRY (NETHERLANDS, 1823-1907) OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS
"Cattle at Pasture", probably circa 1850-90, signed lower right
Item # 130302IPW16
Born in 1823, just west of Amsterdam in Haarlem, Holland, Hendrick Martinus Frederik George Savry spent most of his life in the Netherlands until his death in Haarlem in 1907. His work is quickly recognized, as the volume of his work is primarily focused on pastures and meadows with Cattle and rural workers portrayed in bright and nostalgic scenes. These were very popular with collectors of his time and he was rather active in his work; much of his life work is represented in Museums, with current holdings at the Art Galleries of Montreal, Reading Public Museum (Reading, PA), and the Hague in Holland. Records of his work are maintained in "Popular Nineteenth Century Painting: A Dictionary of European Genre Painters" (Hook & Poltimore, 1986 p. 263) and he is a listed artist in the BÃnÃzit Dictionnaire des Peintres (E. BÃnÃzit).
This antique landscape painting is an absolute masterpiece.â Hendrick masters the details in every aspect of this large and impressive work, using cheery and warm tones to bring a sense of optimism and nostalgia to the painted landscape. It perfectly captures farm life in rural Holland, the farmer at the center of the subject milking one of his cows while two bulls look on with curiosity and a certain intensity in the direction of the painter, a sheep resting lazily in the grass before a grove of trees, these the only shade on an otherwise flat and clear landscape.
The canvas is signed on the lower right corner "H Savry F", the entire work being incredibly well preserved by being relined on artists board to reduce potential for loss from the stress of the stretched canvas. This is a museum quality work of art, only two minor areas of scratched blemish (detailed below) on an otherwise flawless surface. The level of detail in each aspect of this work is simply above reproach - it is an investment grade work for serious collectors of fine antique art.
Measurements: 51" wide x 38" high (framed); 44 1/2" wide x 30 1/2" high (stretchers)
Condition Report:
Oil on canvas is relined on artists board, restoring the strength to the canvas - we are not certain how the canvas was affixed to the board. Likely cleaned and varnished at the same time. Craquelure across surface throughout resulting in a very attractive overall surface. Examined under backlight and it appears to be free of any retouching. Wear along edges where the old frame probably covered the canvas and rubbed lightly. Light loss from scratches to the surface in two areas on left side of painting: lower left in grasses and upper left in sky. Frame is weak and inferior.