Painter unknown: Koemarkt in Purmerend
The painting is an oil on canvas. The depiction gives a good idea of the functioning of the Beestemarckt, as the Koemarkt was then called.
After the reclamations of the Beemster, Purmer and Wormer in the early 17th century, Purmerend had become an important market town, selling the agricultural produce of the surrounding countryside. And that meant a lively and busy market. A farmer with cows just passed through the Purmerpoort. Not only cows, but also sheep, pigs and horses are waiting for a new owner. Here they are engaged in handshaking. The cows are tied to a rope stretched between posts. The sheep and pigs are herded together and on the large tree in the middle hangs an announcement the sale of horses. The painting is unique because no other paintings of the Koemarkt from this period are known.