This late 19th-century oil painting depicts a learned recluse absorbed by the contents of a significant book. It’s after a work by Dutch artist Salomon (de) Koninck (1609-1656).

Seemingly lost in the wilderness, he’s 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 explains that it’s a copy of the original at the Gemäldegalerie at Dresden. During the late 19th/early 20th century, officials at the Gemäldegalerie authorised numerous copies of the works in its collection. Another was sold at Christie’s in 2005.

Held within a period frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 38½” x 47” / 98cm x 119cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Labels & Inscriptions: Gemäldegalerie stamp and reference number.
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Revarnished. Fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Minor pitting. One patched repair. Frame restored. Frame with later paint.
Our reference: BRV1504