Théodule Augustin Ribot

'La Leçon de Chant – The Singing Lesson' by Théodule Augustin Ribot, 1823 – 1891

An Old Man Pointing at Pocket Watch Artist 19th Century European School Signature: Signed bottom left Medium: Oil on panel Dimensions: Image size 46 x 55,50 cm

Jean François Portaels 1818 - Brussels - 1895 Belgian Painter ‘Oriental Girls - Mediants à Tanger, Maroc’ Signature: signed lower right ‘J. Portaels’ Medium: oil on canvas Dimensions: image size 40,5 x 28,5 cm, frame size 67,5 x 56 cm Biography: Jean François Portaels, also known as Jan Portaels, was a versatile Belgian painter born on April 3, 1818, in Vilvoorde and passed away on February 8, 1895, in Schaerbeek. He was celebrated for his genre scenes, biblical stories, landscapes, portraits, and Orientalist subjects. As a teacher and director of the Academy of Fine Arts of Ghent and the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Portaels significantly impacted Belgian art, becoming a pivotal figure in the Belgian Orientalist school. His works were known for their 'everyday elegance and feminine grace,' and he played a crucial role in influencing the next generation of Belgian artists, including notable figures like Théo van Rysselberghe. Portaels was the son of a wealthy brewer who also served as Vilvoorde's mayor. Showing an early passion for drawing, he was sent to the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels in 1836, where he studied under François-Joseph Navez, a former student of Jacques-Louis David. Navez invited him to his studio, which was renowned at the time, allowing Portaels to refine his skills alongside other talented students like Charles de Groux and Joseph Stallaert. In 1841, Portaels moved to Paris, enrolling at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and studying under Paul Delaroche. He became influenced by the emerging Orientalist movement, which was gaining traction in Paris. In 1842, he won the Grand Prix de Rome, which funded his travels across Italy and other regions, including Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Judea, Spain, Hungary, and Norway. These journeys profoundly influenced his artistic vision, particularly his Orientalist works. Upon his return to Belgium in 1847, Portaels was appointed Director of the academy in Ghent. In 1849, he married Marie Hélène Navez, the daughter of his first teacher. Despite being offered the directorship of the Brussels Academy, he initially declined, opting to preserve his independence. He later accepted a teaching position at the Academy and eventually became its director in 1878, succeeding Eugène Simonis. Portaels was known for his broad range of artistic talents, including history painting, portraiture, and genre art. He was particularly recognised for his Orientalist depictions, often portraying the 'Oriental woman' with distinctive features like arched eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes. His style, marked by charm and elegance, distinguished him from the dominant artistic movements of Classicism and Romanticism. He was a pioneer in monumental art in Belgium, working with Jean Baptiste van Eycken to introduce fresco techniques like water glass painting...

Edgard Farasyn 1858 – Antwerp – 1938 Belgian Painter 'The Mischievous Little Artists' Signature: signed middle lower left and dated 'Edg. Farasyn 1881' Medium: oil on canvas Dimens...

After the Hunt Jan Josef Horemans the Younger Antwerp 1714 – 1790 Flemish School Signature: Attributed to Jan Josef the Younger Horemans Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: Size incl...

Bedouin girl posing for the painter in late sunlight (sunset). Was painted by Cavaliero Antonio Scognamiglio ca. 1870-1880, most likely in Cairo as similar work of smaller size was i...

We are grateful to Prof. Daniele Sanguineti for suggesting the attribution to Domenico Parodi (1672 - 1742). He dates the painting into the period between 1730 and 1740. Domenico Par...

Impressive early American portrait oil painting by Allan Lee Swisher (1888 - 1960). Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed. Image size, 39H by 30L.

Ceremonial Portrait of Noble German Lady - amazing discovery of hidden monogram "J.E. 1826" disclosing Great American portraitist Jacob Eichholtz (17...