Cornelis Springer

Vereeniging voor Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam, 1853
Richard Green, London
Private collection, Canada

W. Laanstra, H.C. de Bruijn, Dr. J.H.A. Ringeling, Cornelis Springer (1817-1891), Utrecht 1984, inv.no. 53-7, p. 84

The canvas has been relined. Some minor filled-in craquelure in the sky, the town view and figures are untouched. Otherwise this work is in very 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."

Cornelis Springer was one of the most accomplished painters of his time. He established a great reputation as a painter specialised in topographical accurate town scenes. In fact, his town views were so much in demand that he had to draw up a waiting list, mounting up to no less than two years.

Born in Amsterdam in 1817, Springer was raised in a family of carpenters and building contractors. From his brother Hendrik, a professional architect, he learned the principles of drawing and perspective. Having completed his studies at the Amsterdam Academy of Fine Arts under J. van der Stok and H.G. ten Cate, Springer continued his training under Kaspar Karsen, a famous painter of townscapes. Following in the footsteps of his teacher, with whom he studied from 1835 till 1837, Springer painted mainly fantasised town views in the early part of his career. Realising that topographical accurate town views were much more in demand, he shifted his attention to recognisable town views, which became his specialisation from the early 1850's onwards. From that moment on his fame grew steadily. His work fetched high prices and was rewarded numerous times. Up to this day Cornelis Springer is regarded as one of the most accomplished Dutch painters of his time.

The present lot, an early example of his topographical accurate pictures, depicts a street in Delft with the fish market. To the right we see the entrance to the University, while the tower of the Grote Kerk, one of the architectural flagships of the city's centre, dominates the background. Springer included many figures in this painting, which gives it a lively character. The activities of the figures revolve around the fish market, with people unloading a horse drawn cart and merchants selling their goods. In this way, Springer brings to life the daily activities in Delft, with a keen eye for the social and economic ongoings in the town. The artist's mastery is furthermore displayed in the wonderful and painstakingly precise manner in which he depicts the various architectural aspects.

The present lot was acquired directly from the artist by the Vereeniging voor Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam on 22 September 1853, for the amount of Dfl. 150,-.