Alexander van Bredael (Antwerp 1663 - 1720)

The horse fair depicted in the present lot is probably that which was held every year from the 9th to the 17th of September at Valkenburg, near Leiden, on the Old Rhine in South Holland. This was a very popular event that attracted people from all over Europe, not only to sell and buy, but also because the fair was a place of renown entertainment. Such excitement caught the attention of many artists who have immortalized the scene, such as Salomon van Ruysdael, Philipps Wouwerman and Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne.