(Utrecht 1586–1666)
A cavalry unit halting near a village,
oil on canvas, 76 x 116 cm, framed

We are grateful to Luuk Pijl for confirming the attribution of the present painting (written communication).

Pijl has identified the present painting as an ambitious work by Droochsloot. The figures of the soldiers and the horses are entirely characteristic for the style of the Utrecht-based artist, as are the houses of the village arranged on a slope. The scale and subject mark this an unusual and fascinating work, differing decisively from his well-known village streets crowded by genre figures. Even though it has not been possible to identify the specific incident, the present painting appears to be one of Droochsloots rare historic scenes, in which the artist reflected on contemporary events. The topographical precision in which the houses are depicted further underline this observation. Camps of soldiers like the one depicted here must have been a very common sight during the Dutch War of Independence (1568–1648). As a result of that epic conflict, the Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands gained their independence from the Spanish crown. In the present picture, which is entirely characteristic for the artist’s familiar genre-like style, Droochsloot has depicted his compatriots (in orange sashes) dismantling their nightly camp against the backdrop of the village, feeding their last animals, or immersed in a game of cards before departure. Pijl dates the present painting to the 1620s, when Droochsloot’s style had reached its maturity.