Description: A moonlit river landscape with a windmill, signed and dated 'Abels f 1852' (lower left) oil on canvas, 59x79 cm Please compare this work to a similar composition by Abels: 'Riviergezicht bij maanlicht' (1850), ill. no. 72 on p. 67 in: J. Rademakers, 'Jacob Abels, schilder van de nacht', Haarlem 2009. Abels was deeply inspired by the seventeenth century painter Aert van der Neer (1603-1677). It was not pure imitation, as Abels' fine brushwork and poetic touch in his ‘moonlights’ were very personal. If there was someone who Abels replicated, then it was himself. In visualization and atmosphere, there is not much variety in his nocturnal landscapes. He continued making these landscapes because he excelled in it, and the market was receptive. Possibly Abels was a man who preferred the quiet peace of the night above the hustle and bustle of the day? (J. Rademakers, p. 65 and 67).