The Leiden views in the collection of the Radishchev State Art Museum in Saratov: reality and fantasy

Abstract

The article is about the paintings of two town views (oil on panel) which are marked as the views of Leiden, from the collection of the Radishchev State Art Museum in Saratov. The first landscape was transferred to the museum in 1920. It was created by an unknown Dutch artist by the late 18th – early 19th century, imitating old Dutch painting tradition. The artist was deeply influenced by Dutch painting tradition of the 17th century both stylistically and technically. He created the fantasy image of Leiden as a typical Dutch river town of the 17th century to highlight a connection with the old Dutch painting tradition. Another town view was transferred to Radishchev Museum as a work of an unknown master in 1972. The painting was later attributed to the Dutch master of the 19th century P.G. Vertin (1819–1893). It is a typical artwork done by P.G. Vertin who used to play with reality and fantasy. The artist aims to solve the subtle play of the light and shadows on a narrow town street. The comparison of two Leiden views from the Radishchev State Art Museum in Saratov collection clearly illustrates two different approaches to the tradition of the Dutch town landscape. The imitation painting is an example of a mechanical approach to the old Dutch art. The artwork by P.G. Vertin shows how a professional artist of 19th century sees the art heritage of his predecessors as a solid base, but solves artistic problems in a modern way, corresponding to his time. The image of Leiden as a typical Dutch town is a reflection of the general art trend. The artists had different approaches and solved different tasks. However, they have one important thing in common: both of them see the image of Leiden as an emblem, the embodiment of Holland in the era of the Golden painting age.