Attributed to Peeter Gijsels, 17th century

Attributed to PEETER GIJSELS (Antwerp, 1621–1690).
“View of a Boulevard.”
Oil on panel. Cradled.
Frame with an artist’s identification plate.
Shows signs of wear consistent with its age.
Measurements: 11.5 x 18.5 cm; 23 x 30 cm (with frame).

This painting follows the tradition of 17th-century Flemish landscape painting, characterized by meticulous detail and the integration of small figures into expansive natural settings. The composition bears clear affinities with the work of Peeter Gijsels, particularly his lively rural scenes, which are linked to the tradition of Jan Brueghel the Elder and were highly prized among collectors of the time.

The scene is structured around an avenue flanked by rows of trees that guide the viewer’s gaze toward a deep central vanishing point. On either side stretch meadows where cattle graze, while small figures travel along the road, some on foot and others riding animals. On the left stands a monumental building, crowned by a tower. The precision of the details, the delicate rendering of the foliage, and the interplay of greens, ochres, and blues reveal a refined sensibility for landscape painting. The linear perspective and the balanced arrangement of the elements lend the scene remarkable depth, accentuated by the luminosity of the sky.

Peeter Gijsels was a Flemish painter who specialized in landscapes, genre scenes, and still lifes. Trained by Jan Boets, he attained the rank of master in the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp in 1649–1650. His work is characterized by the meticulous execution of small-format compositions, often enlivened by figures and animals. His work is represented in institutions such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Princely Collections of Liechtenstein.