Petrus Van Schendel (1806-1870) - The Fish Market at Avond, Oil on Canvas, circa 1840-1850

Petrus Van Schendel (1806-1870) - The Fish Market at Avond, Oil on Canvas, circa 1840-1850

MLD Antiquités Collection: This captivating painting attributed to Petrus Van Schendel by the Roelofs Gallery in Amsterdam is not displayed in our gallery but is carefully preserved within our private collection.

This remarkable painting is the work of Petrus Van Schendel, a 19th-century Belgian painter, depicting the Fish Market at Avond. Van Schendel, a master of nocturnal scenes, excels in capturing the artificial light of candles, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere.

Although unsigned, or possibly signed in a dark part of the canvas, this painting was authenticated by the Roelofs Gallery in Amsterdam in the 1970s, with certification accompanying the painting.

Dimensions:

Without frame: Height 19.29 inches, Width 23.62 inches

With frame: Height 25.59 inches, Width 29.92 inches

This painting has retained its original frame, and we have performed a cleaning of the canvas as well as a refresh of the frame's gilding. It should be noted that there are two previous restorations on the canvas.

Provenance:

Swiss private collection, acquired from the Roelofs Gallery in Amsterdam in the 1970s.

In January 2006, the artist's great-granddaughter, informed of our potential intention to part with this painting, contacted us.

Biography:

Petrus van Schendel, born on April 21, 1806, in Terheijden, Netherlands, was a 19th-century painter renowned for his genre scenes and depictions of candlelit nocturnal life.

He began his artistic training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp under Matthieu Ignace Van Brée, where he quickly distinguished himself with his talent for intimate and nocturnal scenes.

In the 1830s, he settled in Rotterdam, gaining recognition for his paintings of market scenes and everyday life. His move to Brussels in 1838 marked a turning point in his career, where he specialized in candlelit scenes, which became his artistic signature.

His travels across Europe, particularly in France and Italy, enriched his style and technique, especially in rendering light and shadow effects, creating warm and intimate atmospheres.

In 1845, he permanently settled in Brussels and became a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where he taught and influenced a new generation of artists. His highly appreciated works earned him numerous commissions from private and public collectors.

Among his most famous works are "The Fish Market" and "The Vigil," illustrating his talent for capturing light and the atmosphere of nocturnal scenes. Van Schendel is also known for his portraits and genre scenes, depicting everyday life with sensitivity and precision.

He passed away on December 28, 1870, in Brussels, leaving behind an important artistic legacy. His works are displayed in many museums worldwide, notably at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, confirming his status as a master of genre painting and candlelight.

Ref: 50PF15AJSM