catalog text
CORNELIUS VAN LEEMPUTTEN (BELGIAN, 1841-1902) & JAN DAVID COL (ANTWERP, 1822-1900)
Oil on canvas, "Shepherd and resting dog watching the flock", signed lower left and inscribed verso
Item # 603GSI10P
A finely detailed unframed scene of a middle age shepherd watching over his sheep as they graze over an open pasture, the calming scene captures the essence of a relaxing afternoon. The open sky is bright and almost free of cloud cover, a horizon that is devoid of complication or troubles. In an era overrun by mass production, these moments were in high demand and lend a certain serenity - a window to a different time and of better possibilities. It is a collaborative work, the majority of the scene painted by Cornelius van Leemputten while the seated shepherd is painted by Jan David Col - this is noted in period script on the back of the canvas, both artists attesting to which portion of the scene they personally completed. The sheep are painted with Leemputten’s self-evident mastery - crisp and carefully detailed, the high chroma grass a distinct contrast against the dirty thick curls of wool. A most fine acquisition.
Prior Sale Results:
- Dorotheum, 16 April 2013, Lot 48, Cornelius Van Leemputten and Jan David Col oil on canvas, two figures with resting sheep, achieved $ 14,000 USD
- Doyle New York, 6 May 2004, lot 5042, Cornelius Van Leemputten and Jan David Col oil on canvas, shepherd leaning on staff with sheep, achieved $ 11,590 USD [includes buyer’s premium]
- Doyle New York, 30 November 2005, lot 1095, Cornelius Van Leemputten, shepherd leading sheep down snowy path, achieved $ 12,250 USD [includes buyer’s premium]
- Christies New York, 9 June 2010, Sale 2322, Lot 144, Jan David Col, figures and dog interior scene, achieved $ 10,000 USD
Measurements: 20 1/4” H x 27 3/8” W
Condition Report:
Light surface craquelure. Recently professionally conserved: linen strips around edges, otherwise retaining original lining, cleaned; some inpainting visible under UV along frame edges and around shepherd’s staff and shoulders, a few other small touch ups - perhaps 5% of surface (see uv images). No frame. In “presentation-ready” condition.