Follower of Joos de Momper

With H.J. Brungs, 1929.

The actual painting is a little deeper in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel consists of two planks, joined horizontally, and is cradled. A horizontal repaired split is visible running from the left edge, just above the join. Furthermore, the paint surface seems to be in good condition. The paint layer is under a fine layer of dirt and extremely discoloured varnish layer. The branches of the trees are nicely preserved. A few discoloured repaired damages can be seen, in the lower left corner and along the right edge, just above the join. The join has been retouched. Inspection under UV light confirms this and other tiny retouchings, e.g. in the sky and along the left edge. Furthermore, it reveals a small area of retouching lower centre, next to the dog. Offered in a later, decorative, plaster gilt wood frame, a few tiny chips. (ML)
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The composition of this winter scene derives from a work by Joos de Momper in the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Hornstein, Montreal, in which a similar view is depicted.¹

1. See K. Ertz, Josse de Momper der Jüngere (1564 - 1635), Freren 1986, p. 579, cat. no. 412, reproduced in colour fig. 281.