Salomon Koninck (After), The Hermit

Salomon Koninck (After), The HermitThis late 19th century oil painting depicts a learned recluse absorbed by the contents of a significant book. Its after a work by Dutch artist Salomon (de) Koninck (1609 1656). Seemingly lost in the wilderness, hes dedicated to furthering his knowledge. Untroubled by his ragged appearance or the pursuit of worldly goods. Koninck produced the original in 1643 and often selected subjects that celebrated enlightened individuals. On the reverse, a stamp

sketched outdoors amid nature’s beguiling splendour

Patch on reverse

indicated by the flag attached to its mizzenmast

she wears an interesting hexagonal buckle

hands perched on the arms of a chair

The facial details are exquisitely done with the eyes and prominent nose a particular success

often sketching in Kent and the home counties

While her sibling is standing on tiptoes as they take in the last of the evening’s light

Daiwaille produced this piece in 1851 when living in Brussels so it’s possibly a view from within that city but it could equally be the Netherlands or Germany

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 26” x 18” / 66cm x 46cmYear of creation: 1918Provenance: EnglandCondition: Generally good

Buckinghamshire

This particular piece began life as a drawing and many of the details in the background are either outlines or gently coloured with a wash