(Antwerp 1598–1634)
Italian river landscape, possibly a view of Treviso (Veneto),
oil on canvas, 54.5 x 95 cm, framed

We are grateful to the late Klaus Ertz for confirming the attribution to Philippe de Momper. His written certificate, dated August 2023, accompanies the present painting.

In this panoramic painting, Philippe de Momper continues the tradition of the Flemish river landscape that his father, Josse de Momper the Younger (1564–1635) helped forge. In what can be considered his formative years, Philippe made the arduous journey to Italy in the company of his friend, Jan Brueghel the Younger (1601–1678). In Rome de Momper executed a number of paintings depicting scenes of the city and its surroundings. He is believed to have joined the Bentvueghels, an organisation of mainly Flemish and Dutch painters active in Rome during his time there between 1622–24. Philippe certainly received his training in his father’s studio and probably also worked with him after his trip to Italy. He was recorded back in Antwerp when he joined the local Guild of Saint Luke as a wijnmeester, i.e. the son of a member, on November 1624.

His work was virtually unknown until a group of paintings, mainly depicting Treviso and Rome, which had formerly been attributed to his father were re-assigned to him. As he had worked in his father’s studio, he was thoroughly familiar with his style, to the extent that several of his pictures have been misattributed to his father – an issue further complicated by the fact that no signed works by the artist are known. In regards to the present painting, Ertz noted how the brushwork is both loose and calm, as opposed to the more dynamic and agitated brushwork of Josse. According to Ertz, both the sombre and earthy colour palette expresses a calmness and balance, and reinforces the impression of a homogenous river landscape. Stylistically the composition and colour scheme indicates that the present painting was probably created in the late 1620s in Antwerp, after Philippe’s return from Italy.