This signed drawing, probably from the late 1660s or 1670s, was made as an autonomous work of art. Such finished drawings by Hackaert mostly depict imaginary views, though occasionally based on motifs actually seen. While it cannot be found in any of his sketches from his Swiss journey, the particularly long stone bridge may have been such a case, for a similar motif, seen from a different perspective, was recorded in a larger drawing by the artist in Teylers Museum, Haarlem (inv. no. Q+ 072), and in a painting, Mountain Landscape with Travellers, formerly on the New York art market.
As is the case with inv. no. RP-T-1967-91, the staffage in the present sheet was removed at a later date. Originally, there was a shepherd driving cattle along the road: the contours, though effaced, are still faintly visible. A second figure or figure group, situated left of centre, suffered from a more complete excision, with only traces of a light water stain remaining.
Annemarie Stefes, 2019
