An oil painting on wood, *Reading in the Garden* by Gutave GOPPIETERS
An oil painting on wood, *Reading in the Garden* by Gutave GOPPIETERS
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Gustave Coppieters, 1840–1885
A Belgian artist—a painter, but also a musician and writer—Gustave Coppieters left behind a sensitive body of work that bridges Romanticism and Impressionism.
“During his lifetime, Gustave Coppieters enjoyed considerable success. In 1893, 17 of his works were exhibited at the Salon (…)
With his passing, Belgium has lost an original artist whose talent was admired by many.”
"An original painter and philosopher, whose talents as a distinguished writer will be appreciated."
From the very beginning of his studies (1861–1865), Coppieters demonstrated great technical skill, winning first prize in historical composition at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels.
And so the doors to Jean-François Portaels’ studio swing open, where he is honing his craft before heading to Rome on his teacher’s advice.
Further information
| Dimensions | 68 × 68 cm |
|---|
The artist presents us with an intimate work—perhaps *Madame Coppieters*.
Standing in the foreground of the painting, absorbed in her reading, she seems oblivious to her surroundings: the children in the back of the park, the painter, and us.
Positioned at nearly a three-quarter angle, her pose blends seamlessly with the extension of the garden’s dirt path and draws the viewer’s gaze to wander across the canvas.
The composition chosen by the artist gives the impression of stepping into the painter’s private world, on a beautiful summer day when the light shines upon the model’s delicate face and the nature surrounding her.
While the main subject is rendered in a traditional style, the plants and children in the background hint at a more impressionistic and spontaneous touch.