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Lot Essay
The present lot is a beautiful example of Cornelis Springer's mature painterly style with its warm light, stunningly realistic representation of architecture and architectural surfaces and lively figures. These elements are all brought together in a balanced composition depicting the Burchstraat in Nijmegen. The spatial order guides the spectator's eye from the figures in the immediate foreground, to the facade of the Town Hall and through the street, finishing at the delightful Gothic tower of the St Stevens Kerk.
A close inspection of the facade of Nijmegen's Town Hall, reveals wonderful decorations on this historic building that was constructed between 1554 and 1555 under the auspices of Herman van Herengraves. The large oval ornaments just below the roof represent two of the seven virtues whilst the two sculptures above the entrance represent Julius Ceasar, who was considered the founder of Nijmegen, and Julius Civilis, who lead the uprising of the Batavieren against the Roman empire. The other sculptures on the same level also show various kings and emperors who played an important role in the history of Nijmegen. As we look further down the street we see the typical 'trapgevels' (stepped gabbles) and brickwork. The elegant tower of the St Stevens Kerk still dominates the Nijmegen's skyline as it has done since the 13th Century.
A close inspection of the facade of Nijmegen's Town Hall, reveals wonderful decorations on this historic building that was constructed between 1554 and 1555 under the auspices of Herman van Herengraves. The large oval ornaments just below the roof represent two of the seven virtues whilst the two sculptures above the entrance represent Julius Ceasar, who was considered the founder of Nijmegen, and Julius Civilis, who lead the uprising of the Batavieren against the Roman empire. The other sculptures on the same level also show various kings and emperors who played an important role in the history of Nijmegen. As we look further down the street we see the typical 'trapgevels' (stepped gabbles) and brickwork. The elegant tower of the St Stevens Kerk still dominates the Nijmegen's skyline as it has done since the 13th Century.