This late 19th-century oil painting by Belgian artist Edward Chappel (aka Edouard Chappel) (1859-1946) depicts a platter of lobsters and oysters.
At this early point of his career, Chappel was a traditionalist. Just a few years earlier, and following his training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, he co-founded the ‘Als Ik Kan’ movement. Together with his Academy associates, he sought to stem the tide of modernism by championing the old masters. The name Als Ik Kan was derived from Jan van Eyck’s motto, which he inscribed in pseudo-Greek letters. It means ‘as best I can’.
Here, in this exquisite still life, we see the influence of the 17th-century Dutch and Flemish masters. It’s a decadent ensemble of lobsters and oysters, served on a silver platter. For comparison, consider the Flemish artist Alexander Adriaenssen (1587-1661) or Dutch artist Abraham van Beijeren (1620-1690). Chappel was painting ‘as best he could’, modelling his approach on the luminaries of yesteryear.
His philosophy won admirers in the UK and before too long he found himself under the guiding wing of Lawrence Alma-Tadema (1865-1940). The Royal Academy beckoned and London became his home. ‘Monsieur Edouard Chappel’ hosted parties at his Fulham studio, ran sketching classes through the Autumn, became part of the artistic scene and found a wife. By the 1930s, Edouard became ‘Edward’ and the press referred to him as English.
And here, on this work from circa 1890, inscribed under his signature, is ‘Londres’. An adopted Belgian - preferring tea to coffee, traditionalism to modernity.
Signed upper right and held within an elaborate 19th-century gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 35½” x 30” / 90cm x 76cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £11,025
Edward Chappel studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp and the Académie Julian in Paris. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, London, and the Paris Salon. Also at the Doré Gallery. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp, Musée d'Orsay, Brighton & Hove Museums, and Kobe Museo d'Arte.
Learn more about Edward Chappel in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
