Albertus Verhoesen - Mid 19th Century Oil Ox in the Countryside

Description

This fine 19th-century pastoral scene by the well-listed artist Albertus Verhoesen depicts a proud ox beneath a gnarled willow tree. Executed in the Dutch Golden Age tradition of cattle painting, the composition is enriched with warm amber tones that beautifully capture the gentle early morning light. Signed. Beautifully presented in a swept gilt frame. On panel.

Condition

Signs of wear consistent with age. Some discolouration to the varnish. Fine craquelure throughout. Inspection under UV light reveals minimal restoration, notably to the lower edge. Overall the artwork is in very good condition for its age. Wear to the frame including scuffs, chips and indentations. The frame has been previously restored, including repairs to the ornaments.

Size

37.5 x 48cm (14.8" x 18.9")
Framed Size: 59 x 70cm (23.2" x 27.6")

Artist Biography

Albertus Verhoesen was a Dutch painter born in Utrecht on 16 June 1806. He trained in his native city under the painter Bruno van Straaten, and later received lessons from the landscape painter Jan van Ravenswaay and the cattle painter Pieter Gerardus van Os. From 1824 to 1826 he was part of the artists' colony in Hilversum, where he is thought to have been taught by B.C. Koekkoek, who was staying there at the same time. After returning briefly to Utrecht, Verhoesen settled in Amersfoort, where for almost twenty years he worked as the city's drawing master, directing the local drawing school. He was also active as an art dealer. In 1853 he returned to Utrecht, where he lived and worked for the rest of his life. He died there on 24 February 1881. Verhoesen specialised in landscapes with dogs, small livestock and animal stables, and became best known for his poultry scenes, often featuring roosters, hens and peacocks set in summery rural surroundings. His work is marked by a refined painting style combined with a great eye for detail. Besides painting he also worked as an etcher and lithographer, and taught D. van Lokhorst and his son J.M. Verhoesen. He exhibited regularly at the major Dutch exhibitions in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, where his intimate farmyard scenes were popular with collectors throughout his lifetime.