Floral Still Life – Oil on Canvas by Gustave van Steenwegen (1905–1986)

Floral Still Life - Oil on Canvas by Gustave van Steenwegen (1905–1986) Expressive brushwork, rich colour, and the quiet drama of mid‑century Belgian art Artist: Gustave van Steenwegen (1905–1986) Medium: Oil on canvas Subject: Floral still life in a vase Style: Expressionist/Modernist with textured impasto brushwork Colours: Deep purples, vibrant greens, midnight and cobalt blues, softened with earthy neutrals Frame: Ornate carved wood frame with gilt finish Period: Mid‑20th century Provenance: Private collection Dimensions: H: 80cm (31.5") | W: 80cm (31.5") Condition: Good vintage condition - canvas and frame show light, age‑appropriate wear consistent with authenticity and history Delivery: Not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature next to the ‘Add to Basket’ tab before completing your order Heritage, Craftsmanship & Authentic Character Belgian painter Gustave van Steenwegen was celebrated for his ability to distil nature into bold, tactile forms, and this floral still life shows him at his most confident. The blossoms, rendered in heavy, textured strokes, feel almost sculpted from paint, while the interplay of dark and light lends the composition a compelling sense of depth. The ornate, gilded frame not only elevates the work visually but also situates it firmly in a tradition of decorative presentation. About the Artist Gustave van Steenwegen (1905–1986) was a Belgian painter, draftsman, and painter under glass, born in Antwerp. His early training began in Breda, Netherlands, under Gustaf van der Heyden during World War I, later continuing in Brussels with Albert Geudens. Influenced by the modernist work of Constant Permeke, he developed a style that blended expressionist structure with a lyrical, colourful palette. Largely self‑taught beyond these formative lessons, van Steenwegen became a member of the influential Antwerp art circles Moderne Kunst and Kunst van Heden, exhibiting widely. In 1962, he co‑founded the group Atelier Libre with fellow painters Jack Godderis and Jules de Sutter. His work - spanning landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, and floral compositions - is held in public collections including the museums of Antwerp, Belgrade, and Buenos Aires. Visual Details Close inspection reveals the layered impasto, where each brushstroke catches and reflects light differently, adding vitality to the petals and foliage. The deep purples anchor the composition, balanced by flashes of emerald green and cooler blue tones in the vase and background. The carved frame’s flourishes echo the organic forms within the painting, and its warm gilding offsets the cooler palette of the canvas. Styling Suggestions Make it the focal point in a dining room or reception area, pairing with complementary floral arrangements or ceramics Hang above a console table with antique silver candlesticks to echo the metallic warmth of the frame Use as an anchor piece in a gallery wall to add texture and depth among works on paper or lighter-toned paintings Sustainability Choosing vintage and antique artworks sustains the life of existing cultural treasures, and is both an aesthetic and environmental decision - preserving traditional craftsmanship, reducing waste, reusing items that have already stood the test of time that brings character that new and mass‑produced items cannot match. Purchase with Confidence Transparent Condition Details: Please examine all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of each item’s condition. These images form a crucial part of our detailed condition report, offering clear insights into the craftsmanship, patina, and quality of this piece. Trusted Heritage: We are an established and successful business with many happy clients from both trade and private sectors. You are warmly invited to visit our beautiful showroom and shop in West Sussex to experience our collection firsthand. Delivery: We do not include delivery in our prices, as this depends on factors such as location and access. Options include: Arrange your own collection from our address Use the Request Delivery Quote feature on the listing Email us for combined delivery quotes if purchasing multiple items Use Proovia Delivery who provide a two‑person service Export/Worldwide Shipping: Please request a quotation from any of the following, quoting the item link: Alan Smith Europe:    info@alansmitheurope.com Charlie Godwin:          guildford@packsend.co.uk Neil Curl Transport:   neil@neilcurltransport.co.uk Simon Hall Limited:   exportdesk@simonhalllimited.com