catalog text
JOHAN LODEWIJK VAN LEEMPUTTEN (BELGIAN, 1840-1910) “FARMYARD FOWL"
Executed in oil on panel, signed lower right "J.L. Van Leemputten 1868"
Item # 806XCP24Q
A meticulously painted scene of roosters and hens pecking about in the dirt for grubs and seeds beside a plaster barn with its thatched roofing before large flat pasture and a group of farm houses in the distance, the painting is typical of Leemputten and his total commitment to Realism. It is a vibrant and nostalgic scene. Executed in 1868 and signed as such in the lower right corner, this was painted as a pair to another painting by Leemputten that may still be in the gallery (view our shop inventory to see if it is still available). It is a very well developed scene with an interesting use of light to create contrast in the picture that is rather complex to render in the fowl - the way light changes the cast of each pigment in their feathers. Light chases the top of the golden foliage beside the barn, while allowing the interior to take on a deep brown of the shade. The painting is housed in a 20th century polychromed frame.
Measurements: 22 1/2” W x 2” D x 16 1/2” H [frame]; 18 7/8” W x 12 1/2” H [panel]
Condition Report:
Light surface craquelure. Under uv: scattered touchups in the sky, a few scattered touch ups in the grass behind the fowl; edge of barn roof with a touch of inpainting; flare in the lower left corner is simply the change of pigment from shadows (not a touchup). Modern frame with minor wear and chipping. Cleaned in the last decade or so and remains in very good presentation-ready condition.