PIETER JANSZ VAN ASCH (Delft, 1603 - 1678) River Landscape with Figures Signed: P. v. As at lower left Oil on panel, cm 70X91 Provenance: Cologne, Lempertz, 16 November 1967, lot 188 (as Pieter Jansz Van Asch) Bibliography: https://rkd.nl/imageslite/318167 https://rkd.nl/imageslite/163979 The style of the work is reminiscent of the personality of Pieter Jansz Van Asch, recognisable by his eclectic character inspired by the models of Jan Van Goyen and Salomon Van Ruysdael, showing a predilection for small landscapes in the manner of his masters. The painting exhibits a draftsmanship rendered with quick touches and delicate veiling that allow the lights to emerge, while the small figures animating the landscape are described in italics and appear almost on a smaller scale, as if the painter wanted to emphasise the scenic importance with pre-Romantic sensitivity. The work is accompanied by a critical file by Raffaella Colace. Reference bibliography: G. J. M. Weber, Johannes Vermeer, Pieter Jansz. van Asch und das Problem der Abbildungstreue, Oud Holland 108 (1994), p. 98-105