{"product_id":"cornelis-van-essen-travellers-outside-an-inn","title":"Cornelis Van Essen, Travellers Outside An Inn","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis charming late 17th-century oil painting by Dutch artist Cornelis van Essen (fl. c. 1690-1721) depicts a gathering of travellers and their horses outside a rustic country inn. It's a familiar image from the golden age of Dutch painting. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeneath a sweeping sky, a group of weary travellers have paused beside a roadside inn, where horses are resting and the day's news is being exchanged. Some have dismounted, others remain in the saddle, while a few have settled around a table for a well-earned drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the centre, a magnificent white horse stands patiently alongside its companions, its pale colouring providing a striking contrast against the earthy tones of the surrounding buildings. Nearby, a gentleman in a red coat reclines across his saddle, seemingly enjoying a moment's respite. To the right, a small gathering enjoys a lively conversation, while a woman watches from the doorway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurther along the track, another rider approaches, perhaps hoping to join the company. A dog curls up in the foreground, apparently unconcerned by the comings and goings, while another picks its way across the yard. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's simply a passing moment in the lives of ordinary people - yet Van Essen has arranged these little encounters with considerable care, inviting us to wander through the scene and imagine the conversations taking place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVan Essen worked in the tradition of the celebrated Dutch equestrian painter Philips Wouwerman (1619-1668), whose depictions of travellers, horses and roadside inns were enormously popular. Artists such as Van Essen continued this tradition, often producing works of considerable charm and accomplishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's perhaps a little sad that so many of these painters have become lost to time. Over the centuries, works by lesser-known artists have sometimes been attributed to more celebrated names, leaving their original creators increasingly difficult to trace. Van Essen is a particularly interesting example, as even 19th-century historians struggled to reconstruct his life from scattered auction records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet his paintings retain their appeal. The travellers may have long since continued their journeys, but here, outside a modest Dutch inn, they remain forever gathered beneath the afternoon sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonogrammed 'C.V.E.' in the lower right and presented in a later ornate gilt frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bravefineart.com\/blogs\/artist-directory\/van-essen-cornelis-fl-c-1690-1721\" title=\"Cornelis van Essen\"\u003eCornelis van Essen\u003c\/a\u003e in our directory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"painting-spec\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOil on canvas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e28½” x 24½” \/ 72cm x 62cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear of creation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ec. 1690\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrivate collection, UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConservation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProfessionally conserved, including careful cleaning to reveal the painting’s true colouring and remove accumulated surface grime that can be harmful over time. A protective layer of conservation varnish has also been applied.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCanvas relined. Later stretcher. Fine craquelure, as one would expect. Frame showing some minor marks and wear consistent with age and use. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur reference\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBRV2382\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Brave Fine Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67937519534397,"sku":null,"price":2400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2508\/9760\/files\/BRV2382_m_f229a2ac-de1c-4d16-9cb5-b9b97ca06e6c.jpg?v=1793971112","url":"https:\/\/bravefineart.com\/products\/cornelis-van-essen-travellers-outside-an-inn","provider":"Brave Fine Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}