The Mauritshuis has acquired the painting Mountainous landscape with St. Jerome from art dealer Johnny van Haeften. The painting is presently on view at TEFAF in Maastricht, where the acquisition has been finalized today. The painting is the earliest known easel-painting by Bril, painted in a meticulous style on copper.
Emilie Gordenker, director of the Mauritshuis: "The Mauritshuis has wanted to acquire a representative work by Bril for a long time, but only now the chance arose to buy one of his best works. Because of its refined painting technique, the attractive composition, the intimate character and the good condition, this 16th-century landscape is an outstanding addition to the collection."
The work by Bril has recently been offered to the Mauritshuis. The museum could acquire the painting thanks to the willing attitude of art dealer Johnny van Haeften. The new acquisition has been made possible by generous support of the BankGiro loterij and a private individal. The painting will be on view in the temporary exhibition Masters from the Mauritshuis in the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague. From 2014 onwards the painting will be part of the presentation in the then newly renovated Mauritshuis.
