This early 20th-century oil painting by Belgium artist Jean-François Luypaert (1893-1954) depicts the interior of his studio with a view across the Grote Markt in the West Flemish city of Veurne, Belgium.
Luypaert was an academic with a zeal for historic architecture. Here, from within the decorative confines of his studio at Veurne, the view was awe-inspiring. Through large windows, he looked upon a square peppered with 17th-century buildings including an ensemble of five-stepped gables. Never short of inspiration, he often wandered through the city streets to sketch the varying effects of light.
Here, we see the square brilliantly lit, with the white facades glowing with sun-drenched radiance. To their right, a view along Noordstraat. Here’s how it looks today.
If you turn 180 degrees, you’ll see the ‘Hoge Wacht’ building where Luypaert worked. Built in 1636, it formerly housed the Night Watch and today is home to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In terms of the interior, it’s interesting to see a framed painting set upon an easel, as one can imagine that the artist used this space for private viewings. His box, palette and brush rest on a table by an old chair.
A delightful glimpse into the world of a humble artist with a deep respect for his local environment.
Signed lower right and framed.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 38” x 42” / 97cm x 107cm
Year of creation: c. 1930
Labels & Inscriptions: Framer's label on reverse.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Jean-François Luypaert trained under Louis Titz at the Academy in Brussels. He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes in Paris, winning medals, and also at the Portaelskring in Vilvoorde. His works are held in numerous public collections including at Koksijde, Veurne, Vilvoorde (Olvkerk Begijnhof) and Schaerbeek.
Learn more about Jean-François Luypaert 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.
