LANDSCAPE

Chappel, who was born in Belgium to English parents, and studied both in Antwerp and in Paris at the Academie Julian, produced a diverse body of work that ranged from very traditional early in his career, to impressionist in his later years.  During his early career he became a founding member of the art group ‘Als Ik Kan’ (meaning ‘As I Can’, borrowed from Jan van Eyck) which staunchly opposed the rise of modernism and championed strong realism, fine detail and an earthy palette, in the tradition of the Dutch old masters.

However, following a move to London in the 1890s, and having established a studio in Fulham much frequented by artists, musicians and literary figures, he began to move away from still life and started to experiment with creating atmospheric landscapes, he held a solo exhibition entitled ‘Moods of Nature’ which was very well received.  

His work was also popular in France, and in 1925 the French government purchased one of his landscapes for their national collection.  Chappel loved to paint in France, and set up a studio in Cagnes-sur-Mer where his work became increasingly impressionistic, capturing the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France in vibrant, loose brushstrokes.  The evolution of Chappel’s work, from his early traditional works to the later more impressionistic pieces, stands as a testament to his willingness to learn and experiment throughout his career.

We do not know the location of this little painting but it very much relates in style to his later work.  Interestingly, in the recent past someone had painted over Chappel’s signature on the painting, and on the back was written an attribution to Terrick Williams.  During restoration Chappel’s signature was uncovered.

Medium: Oil on board

Signed: Signed

Size: 21 x 26cm