Cornelis Springer

J. van Gogh, The Hague, acquired directly from the artist on 16 March 1857 for Dfl. 300,-
Sale Amsterdam (Frederik Muller), 4 November 1947, lot 180
Private collection, The Netherlands

W. Laanstra, H.C. de Bruin en Dr. J.H.A. Ringeling, Cornelis Springer (1817-1891), Utrecht 1984, no. 57-4 on p. 107, illustrated in colour

The canvas has been relined. No retouches visible under uv-light, this work is in good condition.
"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."

The history of the Castle Duurstede starts in the Middle Ages, in 1270 to be precise, when Zweder van Abcoude built a defendable tower on the location of the former city of Dorestad. He called this tower 'Duurstede'. The reinforced walls of this tower were more than 2,5 metres thick. The entrance was on the second floor and could be reached only by wooden stairs, easily removable in times of distress. The thirteenth century donjon of Zweder van Abcoude still exists today and is depicted on the right side of Springer's painting. 

After the power of the Abcoude-family had declined, the bishop David of Burgundy lived in the castle from 1459 till 1496. He had it rebuild and added the tower of 40 metres high, which can be seen in the centre of the painting. David was succeeded by Fredrick IV of Baden and Filips of Burgundy, who all lived in the castle. In the second half of the seventeenth century the building fell into decay, due to a lack of maintenance. After the French troops had destroyed the centre of the city of Wijk bij Duurstede in 1672 - leaving the castle undisturbed - the inhabitants of Wijk bij Duurstede demolished the castle by taking the stones to rebuild their own houses.

In 1852 the city of Wijk bij Duurstede became owner of the castle and laid out a beautiful park around it. Springer's painting, executed only five years later - in 1857 - seems to commemorate this fact.

Springer depicts people relaxing in the park on a sunny day, some strolling, others boating, all taking their ease. On the left foreground we see some fishing men, watched by an elegant couple. An eldery lady speaks to a child wearing a colourful hat. The subject of the painting is unique in the oeuvre of the artist, who became famous for his lively town views. In the beautiful, detailed depiction of the castle and the figures, as well as the sunny atmosphere and vivid colouring, this painting is a wonderful example of Springer's unsurpassed painterly skills.