Pair of Landscapes – Summer and Winter (B)

Literature

Born on February 24, 1835, Jan Evert Morel lived and worked in Amsterdam for most of his life and exhibited there between 1853 and 1874. He was the son and pupil of the marine painter C. J. Morel (1798-1861).  Unlike his father, Jan specialized in wooded landscapes. One of Morel’s major influences was the Dutch artist B.C. Koekkoek, who painted many wooded landscapes which were Italianate in manner. Although Morel sometimes painted on a grander scale, most of his works are small, panel paintings of delicately rendered landscapes with figures. His work typifies nineteenth century Dutch landscapes, which combined a romantic feeling for nature with a classically inspired technique. Morel died in Weesp on May 14, 1905.

Our paintings Pair of Landscapes, Summer and Winter are wonderful examples of Morel’s work. Morel depicts the Dutch countryside with his delicate brushwork. In Summer, a moment of quiet stillness is captured along the riverbank as various figures wander through the countryside. A mother walking hand-in hand with her child, peasants driving their livestock, and informal chats amongst friends. In Winter, Morel portrays a winter day with peasants skating to get around town and for leisure too. In both paintings the figures are exquisitely detailed and the dramatic sky is captivating. The compositions in the paintings are a celebration of the beauty of nature and everyday life. Both paintings are in excellent condition.