This mid-19th-century oil painting by Belgian artist Auguste Bohm (1819-1891) depicts a romantic landscape with oak trees.
Towering over a thatched cottage, nestled into foliage, a giant oak tree stands majestic and unfurls its great branches towards pockets of blue. The sky, otherwise overcast, is tinted with a sunset gradient. A father looks upon his son knowingly, keen to impart decades of wisdom.
Auguste Bohm captured nature’s romance. The rural lifestyle elevated to near-ethereal bliss. He dwelt upon the grandiosity of ancient woodlands, celebrated the humble heath, and lifted a view with a lazy glow.
Bohm, like his father, lived in the past. Both were traditionalists, grounded in the teachings of the old masters. They worked passionately for their communities, saving mediaeval buildings, and sketching the history of Ypres, their hometown. Newspaper articles hail their expertise and here, we see Auguste’s love for nature in all its abundant glory.
Signed and held in a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 24” x 31” / 61cm x 79cm
Year of creation: c. 1850
Labels & Inscriptions: ‘Atelier de Clichy’ inscribed on reverse, which indicates that the work was produced at his studio in Clichy, Paris.
Condition: Artwork presents well.
Auguste Bohm trained in Paris under Jules Coignet and later became the director of the Drawing Academy of Ypres. His works are held in various public collections including at the Ypres Museum. He was awarded the Order of Leopold by the Belgian State.
Learn more about Auguste Bohm 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 often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
