Skip to product information
Nature morte devant la fenetre by Léon de Smet
Nature morte devant la fenetre by Léon de Smet
Nature morte devant la fenetre by Léon de Smet
Nature morte devant la fenetre by Léon de Smet
Nature morte devant la fenetre by Léon de Smet
Nature morte devant la fenetre by Léon de Smet

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

Nature morte devant la fenetre by Léon de Smet

  • This exceptional floral still life was painted by Belgian Luminist Léon de Smet
  • Vibrant and intimate, the work captures the artist's own villa in Deurle, Belgium
  • Among his signature subjects, floral still lifes were perfectly suited to de Smet's talents
  • His important works can be found in renowned museums, including the MFA Ghent
  • Get complete item description here
$98,500
Item No. 32-2896

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Léon de Smet
1881-1966 | Belgian

Nature morte devant la fenetre
(Still Life in front of the Window)


Signed "Leon de Smet" (lower right)
Oil on canvas

Radiant and intimate, this floral still life by Léon de Smet captures the Belgian master at his most lyrical. Painted in 1950, the composition brings together a vivid bouquet of red, yellow, pink and violet blossoms, their petals animated by quick, expressive strokes of color.. . .
Read More
Léon de Smet
1881-1966 | Belgian

Nature morte devant la fenetre
(Still Life in front of the Window)


Signed "Leon de Smet" (lower right)
Oil on canvas

Radiant and intimate, this floral still life by Léon de Smet captures the Belgian master at his most lyrical. Painted in 1950, the composition brings together a vivid bouquet of red, yellow, pink and violet blossoms, their petals animated by quick, expressive strokes of color. Rather than rendering the flowers with strict botanical precision, de Smet transforms them into a celebration of light, texture and feeling—a hallmark of his distinctive Luminist sensibility.

By 1950, de Smet was an established master who developed a mature visual language rooted in luminous color, expressive brushwork and the quiet poetry of everyday surroundings. Painted in the artist’s villa in Deurle, the work takes on a personal dimension: the open window, garden view, patterned tablecloth and decorative objects suggest not a formal studio arrangement, but the intimate world of the artist’s own home. Floral still lifes were an important part of de Smet’s oeuvre, offering him an ideal vehicle for his greatest strengths.

Léon de Smet was born in Ghent in 1881 and studied at the city’s Academy of Fine Arts. The elder brother of the celebrated Flemish Expressionist Gustave de Smet, Léon developed a more Impressionist and Luminist approach, influenced by artists such as Emile Claus and Théo van Rysselberghe. He was associated with the artistic circles of Laethem-Saint-Martin and became known for his elegant interiors, landscapes, portraits and still lifes. His renowned work is represented in leading Belgian collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, affirming his place among the most significant Belgian painters of the early 20th century.

Circa 1950

Canvas: 24 3/4” high x 30 1/4” wide (62.9 x 76.8 cm)
Framed: 33 1/2” high x 38 3/4” wide x 3 1/8” deep (85.1 x 98.4 x 8 cm)

Provenance:
Private collection
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Nature morte devant la fenetre by Léon de Smet
Maker: de Smet, Leon
Period: 1919-Present
Origin: Belgium
Type: Paintings
Style: Impressionism
Depth: 3.13 in. (7.94 cm)
Width: 38.75 in. (98.43 cm)
Height: 33.5 in. (85.09 cm)
Canvas Width: 30.250 in. (76.84 cm)
Canvas Height: 24.750 in. (62.87 cm)
Blossoms in Brushstrokes: Flower Symbolism in Art
Read More
The Art of Still Life
Read More

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.