This impressive mid-17th-century oil painting by Flemish artists Pieter Bout (1640 to 1645-1689 to 1719) and Adriaen Frans Boudewijns (1644-1719) depicts an extensive mountainous Rhineland landscape with river, ruins, cattle and sportsmen. It’s a fine example of their collaborative work.

Amid the imposing forms of nature, three noblemen on horseback pursue their dogs along a wooded track. Several figures follow, carrying ample supplies for the journey. Beyond, the view extends towards lush pasture and distant peaks, while cattle amble before a nearby dwelling. Wherever the eye falls, there’s interest - including a hilltop ruin mid-left.

Bout and Boudewijns joined forces on numerous works, with Boudewijns handling the landscape and Bout adding carefully rendered figures. It’s said that the two met during a stay in Paris when Boudewijns was in the service of Flemish painter Adam Frans van der Meulen. By collaborating, the viewer is presented with the best of both worlds - Boudewijns’ rugged interpretation of a view, almost akin to a stage set, and Bout’s animated characters. They produced a rich oeuvre when working jointly, but we can find only one other example at this size, so evidently, it was intended for a notable patron.

On the reverse, a Christie’s stencil relates to a sale on 23 July 1887, when the painting was offered as lot 157, and catalogued as by ‘Bout and Bodwyns’, ‘A Landscape With Sportsmen’.

Both artists are represented in numerous public collections, including at the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Held in a splendid 19th-century frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 58” x 48½” / 148cm x 123cm
Year of creation: c. 1675
Labels & Inscriptions: Christie’s stencil on the reverse, along with later auction chalk, including an incorrect attribution to ‘Wouvermann’. W. F. & S. label relating to the picture restorer, William Freeman & Son.
Provenance: Christie’s, London, 23 July 1887, lot 157 / Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Canvas relined. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Later stretcher. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £130,000 for ‘Landscape With a Village Festival, With Numerous Figures’, Oil on copper, Sotheby’s, Old Master Paintings, London, 7 July 2005 (lot 3).
Our reference: BRV2206