Mid 1900-1999, Belgium, Antwerp Street to Cathedral of our Lady

Belgium. Antwerp, a Street leading to the Cathedral of our Lady by Leonard Machin Rowe (1880-1968) signed, inscribed and dated front lower left, signed, inscribed and dated to the back watercolour painting on artist’s paper, unframed Sheet 13.75 x 9.75 inches Delightful painting by Leon. Rowe, dated June 1950. Inscribed as Antwerp, the notes to the back describe this as “Saturday early evening”. An additional note says “Various anchorages for S*****!” (we are unable to decipher the final word). The evening scene appears busy, with figures hurrying about their business and the church looming as a backdrop. 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 central 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. Minor shading and toning in the sky area, the very edges of the sheet show some marks and discolouration but these would be hidden by framing. The image is clean and clear with good strong colour.