1368 - Hendrik Frans Schaefels (1827 Antwerp – 1904 Antwerp)

Hendrik Frans Schaefels (1827 Antwerp – 1904 Antwerp) Sailboats and three-masted ships on the Scheldt River off Antwerp at dawn, with the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal An imposing, large-format work painted in earthy tones from the artist’s mature period, combining a cityscape with seascape elements. Schaefels was a student of Jan Michiel Ruyten at the Antwerp School of Fine Arts, who had a significant influence on him. With a soft, broad brushstroke and subdued color palette, this exceptionally versatile painter created highly atmospheric works, including seascapes, historical naval battles, picturesque cityscapes, and historical scenes. He submitted his works to numerous national and international exhibitions beginning in 1854. He often painted and drew in the Port of Antwerp to capture the various types of ships, the activities of the dockworkers, and scenes at the docks, quays, and shipyards. Oil on canvas; signed on the front; signed again on the reverse, dated 1895, and indistinctly titled “Gezicht (op) de Schelde (...?)”. 93 cm x 162 cm. Oil on canvas. Signed. Signed again on the reverse, dated 1895, and indistinctly titled “Gezicht (op) de Schelde (...?)”.