Eugène Verboeckhoven (1798-1881) - 1862 Graphite Drawing Shepherd and His Sheep

Description

A fine graphite drawing by the Belgian artist Eugène Verboeckhoven, depicting a shepherd sitting down with his sheep. This is an excellent depiction of the artist's great aptitude for drawing, as well as an example of his dexterity in capturing nature from observation, with a focus on animals. Artist's signature and date to the lower right-hand corner. There are two labels to the reverse with additional details. Well-presented in a washline mount and in a distressed gilt frame. Signed and dated. On wove.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration and minor surface marks, otherwise in very good condition. Some discolouration and minor marks to the mount. Very small scuffs to the frame.

Size

34.6 x 44.5cm (13.6" x 17.5")
Framed Size: 37.7 x 48cm (14.8" x 18.9")

Artist Biography

Eugène Joseph Verboeckhoven (9 June 1798 – 19 January 1881) was a Belgian painter born at Warneton in West Flanders. He was a painter, sculptor, etcher, engraver, and lithographer, best known for his paintings and drawings of animals, mainly cows and sheep.

Verboeckhoven was a member of the academies of Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, St. Petersburg and Amsterdam, and was appointed Director General of the Brussels Museums of Fine Arts after the country’s 1830 revolution. Until the end of his life, he was a member of the Committee of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and when King Leopold I created the category of Fine Arts at the Academy in 1848, he was on the advisory board. From 1861 to 1867, he was the Deputy Mayor for the Schaerbeek Council, Brussels. His works are held in museums worldwide.