Herman Saftleven II

Herman Saftleven II was an artist active over a substantial period in the seventeenth century, spanning the years 1620 through 1683. His documented output comprises drawings, nine of which are represented in institutional holdings, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Saftleven’s surviving work demonstrates a command of both topography and genre studies. His subject matter includes detailed renderings of everyday figures, evidenced by works such as Study of a Seated Peasant Woman, Viewed from Behind and to the Left and Studies of Peasants, alongside domestic scenes like Peasant with Child.

The artist also produced significant documentary works. His drawing River Landscape with Mountains addresses traditional scenic views, while the piece View of Delft after the Explosion of the Gunpowder Arsenal on October 12, 1654 captures a critical historical event. This specific focus on verifiable scenes elevates his drawings beyond mere study.

The representation of Herman Saftleven II’s work in the Metropolitan Museum of Art establishes its enduring importance for historical study. Because of the long history of his output (active 1620-1683), many of his studies now reside in the public domain. This accessibility means that high-quality prints derived from his cataloged drawings are often utilized today.