Hareng sur Table

20th-century Belgian school oil on wood panel signed by Jules Hayaert (1883-1972). This versatile still life can be displayed with the signature on the left side horizontally or on the right side vertically. The work has minimal texture to the touch.

The composition is refined, featuring delicate brushstrokes with varying volumes. The herring's texture is more pronounced than the other elements on the table, creating an enhanced sense of perspective. Each anatomical detail is realistically rendered, showcasing meticulous color and light work. Expertly executed shadows and reflections accentuate the realism and tactile effect of the piece.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Belgian still life paintings reflected a diverse range of artistic styles and influences. Amidst the backdrop of political and economic turmoil, artists turned to still lifes as a means of expressing their creativity, seeking solace and stability through their work. Many Belgian still life painters of this era were influenced by the Realism and Impressionism movements, while others drew inspiration from the emerging Expressionist and Surrealist styles. Their compositions often featured meticulous attention to detail, harmonious color palettes, and a strong emphasis on light and shadow. These still lifes showcased a variety of subjects, such as flowers, fruits, and everyday objects, often arranged in a manner that conveyed a sense of order and tranquility. The works from this period stand as a testament to the resilience of the Belgian artistic community, capturing the beauty and essence of everyday life amid challenging times.

About the artist: Jules Hayaert was a Belgian painter born in 1883 in Renaix and died in 1972 in Brussels. He is known for his paintings of still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. Hayaert studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels and worked as an art teacher at the Academy of Renaix. He began his career as an artist by exhibiting his works at the Brussels Triennial Salon in 1912 and continued to exhibit regularly in the following years.

Hayaert was particularly skilled in accurately representing the textures and colors of fruits, vegetables, and flowers in his still life paintings. He was also influenced by artistic movements such as cubism and fauvism, but maintained his own personal style characterized by the use of vibrant colors and a keen sense of composition. Throughout his career, Hayaert won several awards and distinctions, and his works continue to be appreciated by art enthusiasts worldwide.

• Overall Size: 12.2" x 14.5" / 31cm x 37cm.
• Size without the frame: 8.2" x 10.6" / 21cm x 27cm.
• Country: Belgium.
• Signed: Jules Hayaert (1883-1972).
• Date: 1939.
• Condition: The panel is in very good condition, despite some fine vertical veins. The frame has a slight warp on the left vertical side, as well as several imperfections, traces, and impacts.
• Materials: Oil on wood panel with an antique wood frame.
• Shipping: Free global shipping to the US and Europe. A surcharge is added for Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.