Abraham Teerlink

This very fine, picturesque landscape is a very characteristic example of Teerlink’s drawing style, which was strongly influenced by the art of the 17th century Dutch Italianates. Teerlink was a pupil of Michiel Versteegh and Jan Kelderman. In 1807, a travel stipend from Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland, enabled him to make a study trip to Paris, where he continued his artistic training in David’s studio. In late 1808, Teerlink travelled to Rome, where he lived and worked until his death. Teerlink had a successful career in Italy as a landscape painter and was a leading figure in the Dutch artistic community in Rome. Late in life he married the much younger Tuscan painter Anna Muschi.

This drawing is executed in a detailed and concentrated manner. In terms of composition and style it closely follows the example of such Dutch Italianates as Nicolaes Berchem and Adam Pynacker, and so it is the masterly technique rather than any originality or inventiveness that is impressive. A meticulous pen technique has been used to convincingly render the texture and layout of the vegetation and the landscape. The fluid, subtle and accurately applied washes enhance the mood of the landscape and suggest an atmosphere of pastoral harmony and peace.

From the collections of A. G. Weigel, Leipzig (handwritten note), W. Kunis (Lugt 2635) and Holtkot (not in Lugt).