Measuring 56 H x 67 W, this large Dutch oil on canvas painting from the 1700s depicts a Southern landscape of a glen beneath a rocky cliff. The expansive valley stretches far into the distance, before terminating at a lake in front of a mountain. Numerous flocks of sheep can be seen throughout the basin, including a group high up on the towering cliff with green trees dotting the sand-colored rock. Most of the flocks in the distance are being tended to by shepherds, but interestingly, a group of four men has gathered in the foreground to engage in leisurely activities as their sheep, cows, goat, and dog await nearby. A few chateaus can be seen in the distance, but most of the architecture is in the style of a capriccio, in that they are dilapidated. The top of a stone obelisk is missing and there are some losses to the inscribed pedestal next to it that supports a lidded urn. Large pieces of broken rock are scattered about, with one slab being used as a seat/table for two shepherds playing cards. Several birds fly in the blue sky, with the setting sun giving the clouds hues of gray, orange, and pink. The peaceful scene is surrounded by a brown wood frame with a thin undulating gilt border that edges the canvas.
Our large Dutch painting was gifted by Caroline Burke, an American actress from the 1940s, to the Portland Art Museum. After Burke retired from acting, she became the only female producer at NBC. Burke was an avid art collector and founded the Art History department at Reed College (Portland, Oregon). Her collection was displayed at several museums in the US, with the Library of Congress now owning The Caroline and Erwin Swann Collection of Caricature and Cartoon.
The Portland Art Museum attributed our painting to 17th-century Dutch painter, Paulus Potter (see detailed photo of tag on verso side). Potter was known for painting landscapes with animals; however, we are placing the date of the painting in the 18th century.
CONDITION: Very good antique condition. The canvas, which has a slight crease, has been professionally revarnished. Light rubs to the frame, which is not original. The stretcher and lining on the verso were also added more recently.
