Mid 1900-1999, Belgium, A Gent Morning Market

Belgium. Gent – A Morning Market by Leonard Machin Rowe (1880-1968) signed and inscribed front lower right corner, inscribed and signed to the back watercolour painting on artist’s paper, unframed Image 9.75 x 13.75 inches, sheet 11 x 14.75 inches Delightful painting by Leon. Rowe, signed to both sides and inscribed. This is likely c. 1950, as many in this collection were dated accurately. To the back it reads “Morning sketch Gent, Morning Market”. Fresh produce abounds at a busy market stall alongside a bridge in the old part of the town. Two ladies are about to cross the bridge on the right of the scene. Belgium and Luxembourg were two of Rowe’s favourite destinations for his painting trips overseas. Often incorporating figures into his work, his style is very similar to Thomas Morley’s paintings of French and Belgian market town scenes. This work forms part of a watercolour collection we currently hold by Rowe. Known as Leon Rowe, the artist was born in Staffordshire, England, in Christmas week of 1880. His career and business involved in him interior decoration, and the design and painting of theatre production stage scenery. He had a love of painting in watercolour for his own pleasure and the collection of work we currently hold by this artist shows exemplary skill. In his later years he was able to travel to Europe where much of his post war work was executed, although examples of his paintings are recorded as early as 1914, when he would have been around 25 years old. His earlier work shows his signature as Leon Rowe but the majority he signed as L M Rowe – as is the case here. He passed away in 1968. condition report: No tears or creases. There is a white unpainted margin around the edge of the sheet which has marks and discolouration, including some paint splashes. There are some graphite sketch markings where the artist prepared the paper for painting. Image overall is clear with good strong colour.