Attributed to Abraham Jansz. Begeyn

Anonymous sale, Vienna, Dorotheum, 22 March 2001, lot 150 (as circle of Berchem).

The actual painting is slightly warmer in tone and the colours are a bit less bright than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel is bevelled along all sides and consists of one plank with a horizontal crack running along the whole width, 5 cm below the top. The crack is reinforced with six battons attached to the reverse. The paint surface is in good condition, although a bit worn in the upper left. No damages are visible to the naked eye, but the abovementioned restored horizontal crack is visible to the front. Inspection under UV-light reveals retouchings in the sky, but further inspection is impeded by the unevely cleaned varnish layer. The paint surface is covered with a slightly discoloured varnish layer. Offered in an ornate, gilt wood frame, in good condition. (JD)
"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 Leiden born Abraham Begeyn worked in a style very much akin to the Italianate landscape painter Nicolaes Berchem (1621/22 - 1683) as demonstrated in this painting, which was probably done after a lost composition by Berchem, mentioned in Hofstede de Groot.¹ Several other versions exist, including a version in the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest (inv. no. 266, oil on panel, 35.5 by 40.5 cm.) and another one sold London, Christie's, 2 November 2001, lot 38, which, like the present painting, also bears a Berchem-signature.
The picture described here stands out from the other versions because of its more balanced composition, the crisp light effects, and the broad blocks of colours that are typical of Begeyn's treatment of Italianate landscapes with cattle and herdsmen (also see lot 52 in this sale).

1. C. Hofstede de Groot, Beschreibendes und kritisches Verzeichnis der Werke.., vol. IX, Esslingen/Paris 1926,  p. 183, no. 465.