Dirck Verhaert (c. 1610 Haarlem - after 1675 Leiden) Idealised Italian coastal landscape with fortified town and watchtowers Depiction of a fortified harbour bay with watchtowers, enlivened by numerous ships, barges and figures, executed in a warm, earthy tonality and balanced, harmonious composition. In the background, rolling green hills rise up with further settlements and castles. Characteristic work in terms of motif and style by the Dutch painter, who - inspired by engravings, drawings and paintings by other painters - specialised in the depiction of Italianate landscapes. His field of activity was limited to the Netherlands, where he first worked in The Hague, then in Haarlem and finally in Leiden. Oil/oak panel. Monogrammed D.V.H. lower centre; 51.5 cm x 84.7 cm. Frame. Provenance: Auction Lempertz, Cologne, 20 May 2006, lot 1193; liquidation of an important German private collection - part II. Oil on oak panel. Monogrammed.