An early 20th-century oil on board depicting ‘Le Quai Long’ in Bruges, Belgium. The artist, Jules Van de Leene (1887-1962), has used a broad brush to build up the oils and create texture in areas.
Energetic daubs of paint swirl around the image to create a sense of vitality and energy. You can imagine leaning on the railings as a breeze passes along the water’s edge. Stray leaves would rustle as you relax on this brisk Autumnal day.
Van de Leene studied at the Académies des Beaux-Arts of Ixelles and Brussels at such an exciting time. New ideas were emerging and a freedom to express was becoming commonplace. The post-impressionists, such as Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) and Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) had left an indelible mark, which encouraged others to explore new techniques and approaches.
Works by Jules Van de Leene are held in several prestigious collections including at museums in Bruges, Brussels and Kortrijk.
The painting is signed in the lower right and housed within what appears to be its original gilded frame.
Medium: Oil on board
Overall size: 11” x 13” / 29cm x 34cm
Year of creation: c. 1915
Provenance: Belgium
Condition: Generally good. Could be cleaned to restore its vibrancy. Frame with some wear including a loss in the lower left.
Artist’s auction highlight: £3,724 achieved for ‘Femme Assise’ in 2018.
