Mid 1900-1999, Belgium, Antwerp from the Schelde

Belgium. Antwerp from the Schelde by Leonard Machin Rowe (1880-1968) signed front lower right corner, inscribed and signed to the back watercolour painting on artist’s paper, unframed Image 9.75 x 14 inches, sheet 11 x 14.75 inches Charming painting by Leon. Rowe, inscribed to the back. This is c. 1950 as we know many of his works in Belgium in our collection are dated 1950. This depicts a view of fishing and working boats in Antwerp on the River Schelde , with the town skyline and Cathedral of our Lady beyond. 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. Two figures are rowing a small boat in the foreground. Signed front lower right. Signed, and inscribed to the back. 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 border margin around the work, and within that border margin are numerous marks and edge discolouration. The image is clean and clear with good strong colour.