This early 20th-century watercolour by Belgian artist Victor Wagemaekers (1876-1953) depicts a view across an open field towards several cottages.

It’s an accomplished naturalistic work.

Here we see the characteristically flat farmland of the low countries. A wide view with a distant vanishing point. Note the rendering of the furthest trees in near-white as they disappear from view. And the smoke gently rising from the cottage chimneys.

Wagemaekers was a realist and sought to capture nature as it was - in a traditional style inspired by the Flemish old masters. He was part of a movement known as ‘Le Sillon’, comprised mainly of students from the Brussels Academy. This group of traditionalists were anti-impressionism and looked back towards the glory days of Flemish artistry. His naturalistic views were usually captured in the broad fields around Brussels, particularly in Grimbergen.

Signed lower right and held within a period frame.

Medium: Watercolour on paper laid on canvas
Overall size: 41” x 19” / 104cm x 49cm
Year of creation: c. 1930
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £3,662

Victor Wagemaekers

Victor Wagemaekers trained under Franz Courtens (1854-1943) and his works are held in several public collections including at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp, Museum Taxandria and Jakob Smits Museum.

Learn more about Victor Wagemaekers in our directory.