Gustave Mascart (1834-1914) Pastoral Stroll by the Powder Tower of Bruges Oil on wood, circa 1900

Gustave Mascart (1834-1914) Pastoral Stroll by the Powder Tower of Bruges Oil on wood, circa 1900

Description:

The Powder Tower of Bruges is an iconic building often depicted in art due to its historical significance and picturesque location by the water.

Gustave Mascart beautifully captures the essence of Bruges through its distinctive architectural elements and serene atmosphere. A couple strolls peacefully along the Dijver canal, at the foot of the Powder Tower, with the city of Bruges, the beautiful "Venice of the North," in the background.

This oil on wood painting, created at the late of 19th or early of the 20th century, is signed "Taverny," the pseudonym used by Gustave Mascart. The work is situated in Bruges, as indicated by the inscription at the lower right, and is presented in an elegantly carved and gilded wooden frame, adding a touch of sophistication to the piece.

Dimensions:

- Without frame: Height 8.3 inches - Length 16.1 inches

- With frame: Height 15.4 inches - Length 22.4 inches

Condition:

The painting is in excellent condition, preserving all the beauty and detail of Mascart's brushwork.

Biography:

Gustave Mascart (1834-1914) was a French painter born in Valenciennes and died in Paris. He is particularly known for his realistic urban landscapes, especially those depicting Paris and its surroundings. Mascart was a student of Jean-Baptiste Henri Durand-Brager, a renowned marine painter known for his warship scenes. However, Mascart distinguished himself with his city views, capturing iconic scenes of places like Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge, and Pigalle, placing him among the pioneers of the "Montmartre Painters."

Mascart also painted urban landscapes in other European cities such as Amsterdam, Como, Ghent, Ostend, and even the windmills of Kinderdijk. His works show a keen interest in everyday life and urban landscapes, with particular attention to architectural details.

In addition to his own name, Mascart also painted under the pseudonym Taverny, although this information is not widely documented in available sources. His style and preferred subjects contributed to his recognition as an artist of the 19th century, although he is not as famous as some of his Impressionist contemporaries.

Mascart left a lasting impression in the art world through his realistic and detailed depictions of cities and landscapes throughout his career.

Ref: KR9NP4FZ6H