0012

In addition to genre scenes of a predominantly southern character in interiors or in front of idyllic ruined landscapes, the Flemish painter Thomas Wyck gained particular fame with Mediterranean harbour scenes. Despite his compelling depictions of groups of figures against southern harbour backdrops and painterly coastal landscapes, there is no record of Wyck travelling to Italy. However, an absence of several years from the Haarlem guild, which the former pupil Adriaen van Ostade joined, as well as architectural sketches, could indicate such a stay on site for study purposes.
The view of a mountainous coastal formation and a promenade adorned with fountains behind massive brickwork emphasise the character of the far south. Special attention is paid to the novel, precious cargoes and the often no less foreign merchants, traders and servants. The Dutch clientele observes the multicultural hustle and bustle with interest.
Wyck is convincing with his primarily colouristic design and the play with the effect of light. Bright red and orange, as well as the strong blue of the garments, contrast with the iridescent brown tones of the architecture and figures, some of which lie in the half-shadow. The precise elaboration of the faces and garment parts and the goods can also be found in the "Harbour Scene" in the Staatsgemäldesammlung der Münchner Pinakothek (Inv.-Nr. 4805).