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Learn MoreEnjoying the Fruits of the Spirit by Georges Croegaert
- This charming oil on panel was painted by Belgian artist Georges Croegaert
- An important genre painter, Croegaert was among the leading artists of the cardinal genre
- Incredible precision and vibrant color make his cardinal paintings highly coveted
- Croegaert lightly pokes fun at the excess wealth of the clergy, a popular subject in French society at this time
- Get complete item description here
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1848-1923 | Belgian
Enjoying the Fruits of the Spirit
Signed "Georges Croegaert Paris" (lower right)
Oil on panel
This oil on panel by Belgian artist Georges Croegaert is a sumptuous portrait of a smiling clergyman with a deliciously ripe melon. Entitled Enjoying the Fruits of the Spirit, the painting displays a wonderful sense of realism and humor, exhibiting Croegaert’s skill for capturing texture, light, shadow and detail with brushstroke. His works. . .
1848-1923 | Belgian
Enjoying the Fruits of the Spirit
Signed "Georges Croegaert Paris" (lower right)
Oil on panel
This oil on panel by Belgian artist Georges Croegaert is a sumptuous portrait of a smiling clergyman with a deliciously ripe melon. Entitled Enjoying the Fruits of the Spirit, the painting displays a wonderful sense of realism and humor, exhibiting Croegaert’s skill for capturing texture, light, shadow and detail with brushstroke. His works are distinguished by his uncanny gift for meticulous workmanship and are beloved for their intrinsic playfulness and charm.
Born in Antwerp in 1848, Croegaert studied at the local Academy, where he was greatly influenced by the style of his relation Jan Jakob Croegaert van Bree. He moved to Paris in 1876 and established himself as an important painter of genre scenes, society women and, most of all, cardinals. Paintings exposing the worldly wealth enjoyed by the high-ranking members of the Church were highly popular during this era of French history. Discontent with the hypocrisy and lavish lifestyles of the clergy, the public welcomed satirical works such as this one. Every inch of the cardinal's environment is covered in markers of his wealth—from his lavish satin robes and delicate lace tablecloths to his exquisite glassware and giltwood furniture.
The artist exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon between 1882 and 1914 and at other locales throughout Paris, Brussels and Vienna. He experienced worldwide popularity during his lifetime, particularly amongst wealthy English and American collectors.
Panel: 10 1/4" high x 8 1/4" wide (26.04 x 20.96 cm)
Frame: 20 3/8" high x 18 3/8" wide x 3 1/4" deep (51.75 x 46.67 x 8.26 cm)
Maker: | Croegaert, Georges |
Period: | 1816-1918 |
Origin: | Belgium |
Type: | Paintings |
Style: | Academic |
Depth: | 3.25 in. (8.26 cm) |
Width: | 18.38 in. (46.67 cm) |
Height: | 20.38 in. (51.75 cm) |
Canvas Width: | 8.250 in. (20.96 cm) |
Canvas Height: | 10.250 in. (26.04 cm) |
Fine Art Connoisseur
When Comedy Went to Church: 19th-Century Cardinal Paintings View the original article here FINE ART CONNOISSEUR, March/April, 2011-- Comedy and the Roman Catholic Church have rarely crossed paths in history. For...
Read MoreAt M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More