The curious three - Charles van den Eycken (1859-1923)

Oil on canvas

Signed lower right and also signed and dated on the back: “Bruxelles, 20 mai, 1906”

Dimensions: 34 x 45 cm


In Charles van den Eycken's charming painting titled "The Curious Three," we are invited into an intimate interior where the playful antics of three kittens unfold with delightful whimsy. Van den Eycken, also known as Duchêne, was a celebrated Belgian painter renowned for his depictions of interiors, as well as his affectionate portrayals of dogs and cats.
Trained under the guidance of his father and later refining his skills under the tutelage of Joseph Stevens, a realist animal painter, van den Eycken's expertise shines through in this endearing portrayal of feline curiosity.
In the scene, three kittens command center stage, each exhibiting its own brand of playful inquisitiveness. One kitten perches atop glasses resting upon a book, its gaze fixated on some unseen point of interest. Nearby, another kitten stands poised, its attention captured by its sibling's antics. And yet another kitten, lounging on a stack of books in the background, observes the scene with a watchful eye.
Van den Eycken's attention to detail and his skillful rendering of texture and form bring the kittens to life, imbuing them with a sense of personality and charm. The warmth of the interior setting envelops the scene, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites the viewer to linger and savor the playful camaraderie of the curious trio.