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Lot Essay
Although there is no definite information about Berents, he may be identified with the former owner of a book in the library of Christiaan Kramm (1797-1875). In his artist's lexicon Kramm records 'Ik ben in het bezit van een zeer lijvig boekdeel in kl.8 /o. Ms., waar buiten op den perkamenten band geschreven staat: Handboek van den Heer Jacob Bherens, Miniatuur-schilder en Mathematicus, ter gedagtenis te bewaren. 1747. 'S Haage. Het bevat legio aantekeningen van gemengden aard, doch, voornamelijk, over het bereiden en gebruiken van de water- en miniatuurverwen.' (De levens en werken der Hollandsche en Vlaamsche kunstschilders, beeldhouwers, graveurs en bouwmeesters, I, Amsterdam, 1857, pp. 90-1). A previous owner of the book had noted further details about the artist, who was apparently born in Hamburg in 1679, and trained as a draughtsman and miniaturist. Berents had a long military career before becoming a teacher in engineering, architecture and perspective. This perhaps led to his proud self-description as Mathematicus.
Three drawings by Berents, perhaps including the present drawing, were with Gallery A. van der Meer, Amsterdam, in 1973. One of these was dated 1723, while another, a Winter Scene, was afterwards in the Klaver Collection (Sotheby's, Amsterdam, 10 May 1994, lot 30). A further drawing with a near identical signature and inscription but dated 1663 does however cast doubt on the connection with Kramm's artist (sold in these Rooms, 8 November 2000, lot 110).
Three drawings by Berents, perhaps including the present drawing, were with Gallery A. van der Meer, Amsterdam, in 1973. One of these was dated 1723, while another, a Winter Scene, was afterwards in the Klaver Collection (Sotheby's, Amsterdam, 10 May 1994, lot 30). A further drawing with a near identical signature and inscription but dated 1663 does however cast doubt on the connection with Kramm's artist (sold in these Rooms, 8 November 2000, lot 110).