Animated harbor scene, Flanders, 17th century, attributed to Mathys Schoevardts

Animated harbor scene, oil on canvas, dimensions 45 cm × 37 cm, with its frame, 65 cm × 57 cm, attributed to Mathys Schoevardts, Flanders, 17th century.
This lively composition depicts a village harbor scene bathed in light, typical of the work of Mathys Schoevardts (1665–1703). A multitude of figures can be observed going about their activities: merchants unloading boats, villagers conversing or strolling, all set within a picturesque landscape combining classical architecture, abundant vegetation, and a mountainous background. The sky, animated with light clouds, lends the whole scene a serene and luminous atmosphere.
The painting stands out for the fineness of its drawing, the richness of its narrative, and its clear palette—characteristics of Schoevardts’ style, which follows the tradition of Jan Brueghel the Elder while incorporating Italianizing elements into his landscapes.
Mathys Schoevardts was a Flemish painter active in Brussels. He is renowned for his animated landscapes, marines, and genre scenes. His works are characterized by great meticulousness in the rendering of figures and by compositions that are often theatrical, where nature and architecture harmoniously interact.