A SHEPHERD AT REST - ATTRIBUTED TO KAREL DUJARDIN (1626-1678)

A fine, romantic and highly detailed old master oil painting of a shepherd at rest within an extensive landscape, attributed to the celebrated 17th century artist Karel Dujardin (1626 - 1678).

The artist has crammed every inch of this beguiling work with delicious details. The shepherd pauses upon a grassy knoll, beside a stream under the shade of a tree. He inspects one boot which he has removed, whilst his toes are seen poking out of the other. Touchingly his flock look on.

In the foreground a path meanders through foliage and in the distance is an expansive mountain landscape populated with trees and houses.

This charming and well observed work is in an excellent state of conservation. It has benefitted from a surface clean and revarnish, and its paint colours remain fresh and vibrant.

Karel Dujardin (1626 - 1678) Dujardin was a leading painter of Italianate landscapes. Figures and animals feature prominently in Dujardin's landscapes. The animal paintings of Paulus Potter influenced him, as well as the landscapes of his master, Nicholas Berchem. He also painted portraits and some religious scenes, such as ‘The Conversion of Saint Paul.

Dujardin was probably born in Amsterdam, the son of a little-known painter, Guilliam du Gardin. According to his biographer Houbraken, he trained with Berchem; he later visited Rome. In the early 1650s he is recorded in Amsterdam and in 1656 in The Hague. By 1659 he had apparently returned to Amsterdam. He visited Italy again in 1675, and he died in Venice three years later.

Higher resolution images upon request                                              Worldwide shipping available.

Framed: 14.75” x 13” / 37.5cm x 33cm Canvas: 10.5” x 8.25” / 27cm x 21cm

Price: £6800