Lot 18: Michiel van Musscher , Rotterdam 1645 - 1705 Amsterdam A Maid and a Female Merchant at the Eenhoornsluis in Amsterdam oil on panel

signed and dated lower left M. v. Musscher Pinxit 1669 oil on panel

measurements note 20 7/8 by 16 1/8 in.; 53 by 41 cm

Verzameling Amsterdam W. J. R. Dreesmann, 3 vols., Amsterdam 1942-51, vol. 1 (1942), p. 9, ill., p. 62, reproduced in colour;
I. J. Brugmans (ed.), Geschiedenis van Amsterdam, 6 vols., Utrecht 1972/73, vol. 5, p. 95.

A. Hope sale, June 30, 1894, no. 45;
With Gebroeders Douwes, Amsterdam, 1928;
W. J. R. Dreesmann, Amsterdam;
His sale, Amsterdam (Muller), March 22-25 1960, no. 8, ill.;
With Auke van der Werff BV, Amsterdam, 1999;
There acquired by the present collector.

THE PROPERTY FROM A EUROPEAN COLLECTION
Michiel van Musscher received his eclectic art training in Amsterdam from several renowned and well-established Dutch artists including Martinus Zaagmolen, Abraham van den Tempel, Gabriel Metsu and Adriaen van Ostade. After completing his studies, he lived briefly in Rotterdam before returning permanently to Amsterdam, where he became a citizen in 1688. Dated 1669, this picture was completed as Musscher was beginning to lose interest in genre scenes and focus his attention on the stylized, elegant portraits that were characteristic of his later years. In this scene, a maid and a merchant woman stand on the Eehnoornsluis (Unicorn Lock) in Amsterdam, one of the many bridges across the Princegracht canal. The view faces south, towards the Westerkerk. This Protestant church, built in 1620 - 1631, is arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks in Amsterdam and one that was lionized by many Dutch artists of the day. One of Jan van der Heyden's most famous works, View of the Westerkerk, Amsterdam, currently in the Wallace Collection, London, also features the church, though from a different view.