A late-19th-century oil on canvas by Belgian painter, Joss Impens (1840-1905) depicting the artist’s studio.

Over the years, Impens often painted his studio and it reads like a chronology of events. One of his earliest versions dates to around 1870 and features him with a thick brown beard and flat cap. He’s sat within a chair that appears to be identical to the one here.

We love the bold brushwork, which is typical of his approach - particularly later in life. With broad, sweeping marks, he’s carved out this familiar environment.

Impens studied at the Academy in Brussels and is best known for his interiors, scenes and nudes. There’s a street named after him in Schaerbeek.

The painting is signed and housed within a gilded frame with foliate corners.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 29 x 23” / 73cm x 59cm
Year of creation: c. 1895
Provenance: Belgium
Condition: Artwork in good presentable condition. Frame with some age-related wear including losses and scuffing.
Artist’s auction highlight: £5,820 achieved for ‘Artiste Devant Son Chevalet’ at Christie’s, Paris in 2006.