Vast landscape with a majestic oak attruibuted to Alexander Keirincx

17th century Flemish old master painting depicting a forest landscape with a majestic oak, attributed to Alexander Keirinckx

Alexander Keirincx, born around 1600 in Antwerp, Belgium, was a prominent Flemish landscape painter of the Dutch Golden Age. He initially trained under his father, Jan Keirincx, before further honing his skills in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke. Keirincx's early works reflect the influence of his Flemish heritage, characterized by vibrant colors and detailed compositions. In the early 17th century, Keirincx relocated to Amsterdam, where he immersed himself in the flourishing Dutch landscape painting tradition. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Dutch countryside, he began to incorporate elements of realism and atmosphere into his works, a departure from the more idealized landscapes of his Flemish upbringing. Keirincx's landscapes often depicted serene woodland scenes, bathed in soft, diffused light. His meticulous attention to detail, particularly in rendering foliage and textures, set him apart as a master of the genre. He frequently included small figures, animals, and architectural elements to add depth and narrative to his compositions.
Throughout his career, Keirincx collaborated with other artists, among which Jacob van Ruisdael and Jan van Goyen. Keirincx's paintings enjoyed widespread acclaim during his lifetime, attracting patrons from across Europe. His works were prized for their technical virtuosity and emotional resonance, capturing the tranquility and grandeur of the natural world.

Measurements:
The oil on panel measures ca. 48 cms by 62 cms and with its contemporary frame ca. 62 by 76 cms.

Provenance:
Kunsthandel Abels, Cologne
P. von Kesseler collection (as by Keirincx)
Pierre Bergé, collection, 11 June 2012 (as Keirincx where sold for 18750 euro incl. fees)

Literature on the artist:
1. "Alexander Keirincx (1600-1652): A Flemish Landscape Painter in Amsterdam" by Susan Donahue Kuretsky (Author), Jan van der Stock (Contributor)
2. "Flemish Paintings of the 17th Century: Keirincx, David Teniers II and Jan van Kessel" by David de Witt, Nadine M. Orenstein, and Ellis Dullaart
3. "Flemish Landscape Painting in the Seventeenth Century" by Hans Vlieghe
4. "Masters of 17th Century Flemish Landscape Painting" by Robert G. Calkins
5. "The Golden Age of Dutch and Flemish Paintings" edited by W. A. Liedtke

Some works by the artist which are in museum collections:
1. "Wooded Landscape with Travelers" - Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. "Wooded Landscape with Figures" - Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent, Belgium
3. "Mountainous Landscape with Figures" - The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, USA
4. "Forest Landscape with a Hermit" - National Gallery, London, UK
5. "Landscape with Cattle and Figures" - Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels, Belgium