The Journey of Tobias

It is probable that De Momper went to Italy once he had been inducted as a free master in Antwerp in 1581. He must have returned by no later than 1590. His journey over the Alps inspired him and his landscape paintings after 1600 often feature rock formations, grottoes and mountains. This period was his most productive, but brought little innovation; the post-1600 landscapes remain appealing, but are always variations on the same theme. De Momper seldom signed or dated his work and the study of his art is thus based on a comparison of style and expertise. The landscape here serves as decor for the Biblical scene of Tobias’ journey.