We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer for endorsing the attribution to Philips Wouwerman, based on digital photographs.
Provenance:
Newhouse Galleries, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owners, 1976
Exhibited:
Loaned to Palmer Museum of Art, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, August 4 - November 19, 1993
Philips Wouwerman, a luminary of the Dutch Golden Age, left an indelible mark through his equestrian scenes and dynamic landscapes. Born in 1619, his career unfolded amidst Europe's transformative era. Wouwerman's prowess lay in capturing horses with unparalleled authenticity, portraying their grace and power in every brushstroke. His equestrian subjects, whether soldiers or travelers, establish a profound connection with viewers.
Central to Wouwerman's artistry are the meticulously rendered landscapes that backdrop his narratives. These settings are not mere backdrops but integral components, enriching stories with contextual depth. Wouwerman's attention to detail and ability to infuse narratives influenced succeeding generations, setting a benchmark for authenticity and dynamism.
Philip Wouwerman's A Hawking Party Halting by a Gypsy Encampment encapsulates the essence of his artistry. The painting, a testament to his mastery, captures a fleeting moment where equestrian figures, adorned in opulent attire, pause by a vibrant gypsy settlement. Wouwerman's skill in rendering horses and the intricacy of the scene shines through, while the interplay of light and the natural setting showcases his landscape finesse. In this vignette, Wouwerman intertwines human leisure with the transient harmony of the encampment, offering a glimpse into a rich narrative suspended in time. Per email correspondence with Dr. Fred Meijer, this painting is closely related to a work in the National Gallery, London, Two Horsemen at a Gipsy Encampment, both thematically, and in style and handling.