Pieter Neefs D.Ä. Lot n° 7

Pieter Neefs the Elder, View of the interior of a Gothic cathedral with figure scenery. Oil on canvas. (Circa 1620). 36.8 x 58.3 cm. Framed. Klaus Ertz is recognized the nocturnal church interior as a work of the Flemish master Pieter Neef the Elder. The figure staffage with its elongated bodies and typical head posture was executed by Adriaen van Stalbemt, who had joined the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke in 1609. At the beginning of his career, Neefs was still strongly influenced by the architectures of Hendrick van Steenwijck the Elder (c. 1550 - 1603) painted with "hard color", from which he gradually moved away in coloration as well as in details. Neefs constructed skyward striving interiors, mostly three-aisled, Gothic hall churches, as in this case. The viewpoint is deliberately chosen to be somewhat elevated, so that there is a strong oversight high into the ribbed vault. The view is led straight ahead to the rood screen, which separates the choir at the end of the nave from the rest of the church. An effective interplay is created between the architectural sections illuminated by torches and other invisible light sources and the dark sections lying in shadow. The staffage functions as a scale for the architectural dimensions and makes the church space appear wider and at the same time emptier. With a survey and photographic expertise by Dr. Klaus Ertz, Lingen, dated 8.3.2022. Provenance: Private property, Southern Germany. Taxation: Differentially taxed (VAT: Margin Scheme).