This painting is typical of Van Calraet’s work, particularly in the depiction of dogs and horses. It shows two riders and their dogs preparing to leave an inn and ‘start’ their journey. A wreath and a pewter wine jug hanging from the pole attached to the building indicate that this is an inn; the lady to the left wearing red is the inn-keeper. One man is mounted with his plumed hat and gloves on and clearly wishes to leave, while the other gestures to his companion to enjoy another glass (‘roemer’) of wine. Until the twentieth century, this picture was thought to be by Aelbert Cuyp, as it emulates his work both in its composition and in its use of light.
Abraham van Calraet (Dutch, 1642 - 1722)
Van Calraet was born in Dordrecht, where he reportedly underwent initial artistic training with the Huppe brothers. They were both sculptors, although no sculpture by Abraham is known. Abraham’s brother Barent studied under the painter Aelbert Cuyp, but it is clear from Abraham’s work that he also knew Cuyp’s work very well. The similarity between these two artists has made it difficult to separate their work, especially when their paintings are initialled, as their names share the same first letters ‘AC’. Van Calraet’s landscapes with horses and cattle also reveal the influence of the artists Jan Both and Philips Wouwerman. He departed from landscapes only to paint still life, and these finely worked luscious displays of fruit, flowers and insects form the most original group in his work.
