This beautiful early 20th-century oil painting by Dutch-Belgian artist Jean Laudy (1877-1956) depicts a still life with roses.
Laudy’s exquisite still lifes capture a snapshot, a blur of soft petals emerging randomly from daubed ceramics. He painted joy, without overthinking each mark, thus retaining a sense of impressionistic energy and spirit.
During his lifetime, the critics were glowing.
“A wonderful gift of harmony and exceedingly clever technique.”
The Connoisseur, 1921.
“Jean Laudy’s exhibition is brilliant, dazzling, blinding. It is easy to understand that the artist creates with joy and that he must create, that he obeys an imperative need.”
Magazine printed in Brussels, 1921
“full of a vitality, which is not allowed to run riot. There are many good things, but not many so brilliant as these.”
Yorkshire Post, 1930
Here, in this work from around 1930, the roses appear radiant, glowing akin to a gentle blush. It’s buoyant, natural and untamed, much like the hand of this well-loved master.
Signed lower left and held within a later swept frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 23½” x 27½” / 60cm x 70cm
Year of creation: c. 1930
Labels & Inscriptions: Artist’s name inscribed on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Belgium.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £12,100
Jean Laudy
Jean Laudy studied at the academies in Brussels and Antwerp. He achieved various high-profile commissions including for King Albert I and King Leopold III of Belgium. Today, his works are held in various public collections including at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
Learn more about Jean Laudy in our directory.