Lot number 3566 - Auction 141
ALLEGORIE DER SORGE

DAVID RIJCKAERT 1612 Antwerp - 1661 ibid ALLEGORY OF SORROW Oil on canvas on wooden panel. 38 x 30 cm (F. 59 x 52 cm). Verso: with old paper label "Sollicitude" with an indication of old restoration. Part. min. old rest., part. min. old retouching, part. slight loss of colour, min. dam. Frame. Not in Bernadette Van Haute and not in the RKD in The Hague. The previously unknown Allegory of Care offered here is one of four paintings by Rijckaert that were brought from an old Rhenish private collection and previously passed on in old family ownership. In addition to the allegory mentioned above, the paintings The Sense of Taste, Greed and Anger also come from the private collection listed. However, unlike the painting of sorrow, variants of these paintings have been preserved in various museums. David III Ryckaert (1612-1661), often referred to as David Rijckaert III, was an important Flemish painter of the Baroque period, known for his detailed genre paintings that captured everyday life with a touch of humour and warmth. Born into a family of artists in Antwerp, he was the son of David Ryckaert II and the grandson of David Ryckaert I, both of whom were also successful painters. This artistic heritage significantly influenced his development and career. Ryckaert III was trained by his father, honing his skills and absorbing the techniques that would characterise his work. His early paintings show the influence of Adriaen Brouwer, another important Flemish painter known for his vivid depictions of peasant life. Ryckaert's genre paintings often depicted taverns, markets and domestic scenes characterised by a lively, bustling atmosphere. Alongside Brouwer, Ryckaert's work shows the influence of David Teniers the Younger, a contemporary and son-in-law who was a master of genre painting. However, Ryckaert's paintings were distinguished by their refined technique, meticulous attention to detail and a particular focus on the subtleties of light and texture. Ryckaert's career flourished in Antwerp, where he became a member of the Guild of St Luke in 1636. His success earned him the patronage of important personalities, including Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria, the governor of the Spanish Netherlands. This prestigious patronage testifies to Ryckaert's skill and reputation during his lifetime. Ryckaert's notable works include "The Alchemist" and "Peasants in an Inn", which demonstrate his ability to imbue everyday scenes with narrative depth and character. His use of colour, light and composition not only brought his subjects to life, but also offered an insight into the social fabric of 17th century Flemish society. Despite his success, Ryckaert's life was relatively short. He died in 1661 at the age of 49. However, his legacy lives on through his contributions to genre painting and his influence on subsequent generations of artists. Ryckaert's work remains an integral part of the Baroque artistic legacy, celebrated for its vivid depiction of everyday life and masterful execution. Provenance: Old Rhenish private collection.