Catalog Archive
Auction 128, Lot 796

"Bethlehem", Bruyn, Cornelius de

Subject: Holy Land, Bethlehem

Period: 1702 (circa)

Publication: Reizen door de vermaardste deelen van Klein Asia

Color: Black & White

Size:
25 x 9 inches
63.5 x 22.9 cm
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Cornelis de Bruyn (1652-1726) was a Dutch artist who traveled through the Holy Land and other portions of Asia. De Bruyn had to disguise his activities because this was a repressive period during the Ottoman rule when foreigners were regarded with suspicion and the making of "graven images" was prohibited. De Bruyn avoided detection by pretending to be picnicking with two Franciscan monks who stood guard while he made his drawings. This lovely view of Bethlehem shows the small village with a shepherd with his flock, and travelers on the road in the foreground. His works are particularly valuable historically because of their accuracy.

References:

Condition: A

Issued folded, now flattened. Some damp stains and a couple fold separations in the blank margins, not affecting the view.

Estimate: $325 - $400

Sold for: $240

Closed on 5/20/2009

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