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Henri Schäfer
Rheims Cathedral

circa 1870

About the Item

Watercolor and gouache on cream wove paper. Signed and titled in watercolor in the lower right image area. Small circular pea-sized damp stain in the top center image area (visible in the are of the sky), and some additional small spots of unobtrusive foxing in the upper left sheet area. Otherwise in very good condition with fresh colors and intricate brushwork. Henri Schäfer attended l'Ecole National de Beaux-Arts, and is well known for his Victorian era European city and town views, especially his French and Belgian cathedral landscapes. Schäfer's work is often conflated with that of British artist Henry Thomas Schafer, who was active in the same regions at the same time. In addition, both artists are considered to belong to the School of Samuel Prout. Biographical distinctions may be found in Christopher Wood’s 1971 reference, The Dictionary of Victorian Painters, published by the Antique Collectors Club, London. One observation that can be made in regard to Schäfer's work is the joy the artist conveyed in capturing the daily activities of townsfolk, who are often seen milling around within a composition. Keen observation will show that many of the figures in Schäfer's work, although not part of the immediate focal point, are looking directly at the viewer, as if caught for a instant while staring into the lens of a faraway camera. This can be seen clearly in this particular painting, and is a detail that forms an intimate an engaging human relationship with the viewer. These small portraits complement the complexity and grandiosity of the architecture looming above with something endearing and tender.
  • Creator:
    Henri Schäfer (1833 - 1916, Flemish, French)
  • Creation Year:
    circa 1870
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.75 in (45.09 cm)Width: 13.875 in (35.25 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Middletown, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BH5221stDibs: LU1979211813862

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