Late 18th or Early 19th Century Belgian Painting of a Wedding
Late 18th or Early 19th Century Belgian Painting of a Wedding
$12,500.00
Early 19th Century Northern European Genre Painting of a Wedding, unsigned, late 18th or early 19th Century, an oil on canvas finely detailed view of many celebratory figures in an interior in the manner of Alexis Van Hamme (active circa 1820).
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Early 19th Century Northern European Genre Painting of a Wedding, unsigned, late 18th or early 19th Century, an oil on canvas finely detailed view of many celebratory figures in an interior. The subject appears to be Belgian judging by the clothing: the bride and groom in particular are wearing Belgian national dress (what a spectacular waistcoat on the groom). The style of the painting is in the manner of Alexis Van Hamme (active circa 1820) and can at least be attributed to the school thereof.
The detail and nuance is enchanting. The jubilant groom is sharing a smoke and being congratulated by an older seated gentleman, while that man’s wife is entertaining two young children gathered at the table eating Belgian waffles, keeping their attention to no doubt keep them from mischief. Another young man and woman seated at the table are casting sly glances at the other guests, or perhaps the wedding couple themselves, and nodding their heads together in gossip. Behind them is another room crowded with revelers, a fiddler and dancers. The shy bride is being congratulated (or perhaps reassured) by an older lady, and an attentive pet spaniel is lying alert at her feet. There is another young couple alone by an open window sneaking a kiss.
The room itself is finely appointed with a Belgian wag-on-the-wall clock and a dresser to one side loaded with Dutch Delft pottery. There are many paintings in gilded frames; one such frame is just visible at the left margin, as if the viewer has just partially entered the room, creating a sense of intimacy. Curiously, there is a large silvered or gilded ball hanging in the center from the ceiling above the bride and groom… no doubt of some cultural significance to this scene… an interesting avenue begging research.
Overall a warm and luxurious, masterful painting rife with story and detail. The painting is unsigned, has been relined, and is in great condition with no discernible signs of repair. Viewing under a black light confirms no problems, other than perhaps some touches in the plain background (nothing jumps out but it is difficult to tell under the finish). The carved and gilded frame looks to be from the 1960s or so, likely the date when the painting was relined.
Painting: 31 in H x 37-1/2 in W
Frame: 36-3/4 in H x 43-1/2 in W x 1-3/4 in Deep
