Frans (Frantz) van Severdonck - The Quiet Life Among Sheep and Birds

Oil on wood panel
signed and dated F Van Severdonck f. 1870
unframed 17.5 x 24 cm
framed 29 x 35 cm

Provenance: A Swedish private collection.

Essay:
The painting presented here is a serene testament to the charms of the 19th-century countryside, painted by the Belgian artist Frans (Frantz) van Severdonck (1809-1889). Born in Brussels, van Severdonck dedicated his life and work to the city of his birth. Although the specifics of his artistic education remain a mystery, the expert composition and technical proficiency evident in his work suggest he was formally trained. Van Severdonck excelled particularly in animal portraiture, and his paintings frequently feature a harmonious assembly of farm animals, as seen in this tranquil landscape. In this piece, we observe a pastoral scene where the gentle tranquility of life is palpable. Sheep take center stage, their woolly forms rendered with meticulous care to detail and texture, suggesting the softness to the touch. Accompanying them are hens and a duck, each animal painted with individual personality and care, adding life to the scene. The backdrop of this assembly is a landscape bathed in soft, natural light, imbuing the setting with a sense of peace and timelessness. Van Severdonck's skill in capturing the essence of country life and his affection for his subjects shine through, making his works, often modest in size, highly prized and sought after by collectors around the world. This painting, with its rich detail and calming atmosphere, would no doubt be a valued addition to any collection, appealing to connoisseurs of fine animal portraiture and lovers of the rural idyll alike.