Neer, Aert van der (Gorinchem 1604 – Amsterdam 1677). River Landscape by Moonlight. With several ships among which – just in front – fishing-boat. On both sides a village. Aquatint printed in brown by Cornelis Apostool (1762 Amsterdam 1844). Inscribed: AV DN (in the subject below right) / A. Vander Neer. / C. Apostool. / Published Nov^r. 1792. 20.7 x 26.4 cm.

In reverse to Schulz 540 (“Authentic”, 46 x 69.5 cm, on panel, color plate 44 + ills. 205), in those days in the possession of Mr. Broderip. – Rare  sheet . – The wide plate (below and right only a little) and paper margins weakly, but throughout foxing. – Enclosed accompanying text sheet:

“ … Moon-shine and Winter Scenes seem to have been the favourite subjects … both of which he represented with more truth than any other painter, diffusing the effect of Night with singular judgment. His views were mostly upon canals, which he decorated with boats, cottages, etc. His figures are well drawn, and judiciously disposed … The effect of Moon-light upon the clouds, water, etc. he represented with such truth, that every connoisseur must be his admirer … ”

And Bernt (3^rd ed., 1969) summing up:

“ Motifs from the Amsterdam river and channel landscapes at moonlight are composed freely and are distinguished by an especially poetical sympathetic understanding of nature and solution of the problem of light … ”

Offer no. 14,160 / EUR  240. (c. US$ 350.) + shipping

“ I am curious as to the history of this (original Ridinger printing-)plate (just I bought) and the others you have offered. Did you purchase them from the Ridinger estate (indirectly, indeed) or a private collector? These are truly rare one of a kind pieces ”

(Mr. L. A. F., October 28, 2003)