Abel Grimmer, A Winter Township with Figures

A Winter Township with Figures, attributed to Abel Grimmer (Antwerp ca. 1570 - Antwerp ca. 1618/1619)

Catalogue Note

The crisply drawn architecture, stylized landscape, and elevated vantage point of this interesting Winter Townscape with Figures point to an author close to Abel Grimmer. Though a dating to the first two decades of the 17th century has been suggested, parts of the picture's composition refer to an earlier prototype developed by Herri Met de Bles. Specifically, the figures seen at far right are derived from similar groups found in his Christ on the Road to Calvary, the prime version of which is in the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome. Met de Bles based his Calvary composition on that of Pieter Breugel the Elder's work of the same subject in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Abel Grimmer later reinterpreted Met de Bles's prototype in his own distinct manner, as evidenced by two signed and dated pictures: one sold New York, Sotheby's, 27 January 2005, lot 131 (1599); and another (1593) in the Groeningemuseum, Bruges. Though clearly indebted to these earlier examples, the stylistic traits of this picture come much closer to the hallmark qualities of Abel Grimmer. The high horizon line, with a clearly delineated foreground, middle and background, coupled with a similar treatment of winter elements, suggest an attribution closer to Grimmer than his forebears of a generation prior.

Examination of the picture under infrared reflectography tells us much about the preparation for the final painted composition. Though the aforementioned figure group appears to have been intended for the work from its original conception, a plethora of other figures were originally drawn in, and then omitted from the final design.

Attention

The Colf Player puts his ball to a hole in the ice.

Oil on panel. 10 5/8 by 13 3/4 in; 27 x 35 cm

Private property. Sotheby's London. Estimate 70,000 — 90,000 USD / LOT SOLD. 92,500 USD (67,650 EUR) (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium) 51,194 - 65,821EUR (2013)

Source: Geert & Sara Nijs

Literature

• Geert & Sara Niijs, Games for Kings & Commoners, Part Three, p. 60. ISBN 978-2-9540069-3-2. 2015