Govert Dircksz. Camphuysen

1623-1672 | Dutch

The Money Lender

Signed "G. Camphuÿsen"

Oil on canvas laid on panel

A masterful example of the art of the Dutch Golden Age, this magnificent oil comes alive with luminous atmosphere, dramatic ambiance, and an extraordinary composition. The painting is an exceptionally rare example of the mature work of Govert Dircksz. Camphuysen, an artist more typically known for his landscapes and peasant scenes. Entitled The Money Lender, this is the only known allegorical subject to have ever been painted by the Dutch master. Undoubtedly a high point in his artistic output, it was painted near the end of his career and is executed with an artistry and attention to detail that sets it apart from the rest of his oeuvre.

The subject of the money lender was not in and of itself a rarity in the history of art, but Camphuysen treatment of the figure sets it apart from others of its theme. Most artists chose to depict the money lender as a usurer, usually within the context of the biblical tale of Jesus driving the money lenders from the Temple. In these compositions, money lenders are shown as greedy, sinful and without morals. Camphuysen, on the other hand, portrays his money lender as fair and thoughtful. He is surrounded by the instruments of his trade - a scale to ensure transactions are fair and balanced, a ledger to record each loan, and an extensive organization system on the wall behind him. As a whole, the piece offers a compelling portrait of a wise and honorable businessman - a far cry from the unjust usurer more typically seen in works from the age.

Govert Dircksz Camphuysen

[Govert Dircksz. Camphuysen, Dutch, 1623 - 1672, The Money Lender, c. 1660, oil on canvas, M.S. Rau Antiques.  SOLD

Even more compelling than his unusual subject, however, is the remarkable ambiance of Camphuysen's composition. Its golden light effects are reminiscent of the great Dutch Golden Age painter Paulus Potter, an artist who had a significant influence on Camphuysen's artistic style. The shadows and warm atmospheric light cast by the candlelight glow lends the picture a distinctively intimate quality, and this atmospheric effect undoubtedly places it among Camphuysen's masterworks.

Its importance is supported by the fact that the Swedish government was initially loath to part with it. After its previous owner purchased the work, it took nearly seven years to procure an export license for the painting, which was considered by many to be a national treasure too important to be allowed to leave the country. Eventually, however, the export license was granted, and now M.S. Rau Antiques has the pleasure of offering this highly important composition.

Born in Dokkum in 1624, Camphuysen was the son of the important Dutch painter, poet, and theologian Dirk Rafaelsz Camphuysen, though he died when Camphuysen was just three years old. His uncle sent him to study with painter Dirck Govertsz, and much of his early output was portraiture, including a portrait of Queen Hedvig Eleonora in Stockholm. Soon, however, he turned to animal and peasant landscape scenes, which dominated his later output with the exception of the present composition. Other works by the artist can be found in international collections including the Rijksmuseum (The Netherlands), Nationalmuseum (Stockholm), and the Wallace Collection (London), among others.

Circa 1660

Canvas: 28 3/4" high x 34 13/16" wide
Frame: 38 1/8" high x 44 3/16" wide

Provenance:
The Collection at the Ribbingsfors Estate, Sweden
Private collection, Sweden
M.S. Rau Antiques, New Orleans, 2018

References:
Inventaire général des trésors d'art: peintures & sculptures, principalement de maitre êtrangers en Suède, 1911, by O. Granberg, no. 289
Gorcumse Schilders in de Gouden Eeuw, 1987, by F. Tissink and H.F. de Wit, pp. 74-76