Townspeople on the Vijzelstraat, Enkhuizen

Apart from his well known Dutch townscapes with prominent characteristic buildings and façades in identifiable cities, Springer also specialised in painting delicate streetscenes, of which the present lot is a good example. These modest sized pictures were very popular and he was often commissioned to produce them.

From 1860 onwards Springer used a standard format of 25 x 20 cm. for these intimate pictures. He called them 'albumschilderijtjes' (album pictures). Springer continued to produce these smaller paintings until the end of his career, possibly also as a change from the large works which demanded more effort from the artist. These 'albumschilderijtjes' also gave him the opportunity to use his techniques and artisticity more freely, allowing him to show off his unique abilities.

Reacting to the quickly changing atmosphere of city life, Springer depicted simple folkloristic neighbourhoods. The present lot depicts a slightly romantized view of the Vijzelstraat in Enkhuizen. In order to create a picturesque effect Springer has enriched the architectural composition with staffage and has payed special attention to the play of light on the street and buildings.