Abraham van Dijck

(Amsterdam 1635–1672)
An interior with an elegant company playing cards,
signed and dated upper left: A. V. Dijk,
oil on canvas, 64 x 54 cm, framed

Provenance:
Private collection, France, 1950–2018

Literature:
W. Sumowski, Gemälde der Rembrandt-Schüler, vol. VI, Landau 1983,
p. 3705, no. 2266

Sumowski dates the present painting, which is a very typical work of Abraham van Dijck, into the 1660s.

Very little is known about the life and career of Abraham van Dijck, however, his early body of work reveals the influence of Rembrandt. It is certain that he was acquainted with the disciples of Rembrandt, although it is not possible to affirm whether he himself was also a pupil of the great Dutch genius. In a manner reminiscent of the work of Nicolas Maes or Barent Fabritius, who were both part of Rembrandt’s workshop, Abraham van Dyck employs a dark colour palette and thick and powerful brush strokes.

The works created by Abraham van Dyck during his mature period are rarer and demonstrate a more refined style that is closer to the works of Gabriel Metsu or Caspar Netscher. The present painting illustrates this new painting style, which he developed in the 1660s. A comparable work by the artist, which also represents a gallant assembly playing and smoking was offered for sale at Artcurial, Paris
14 November 2016, lot 45.