Far Eastern Landscape - Gérard Laenen

Landscape of the Far East, oil on canvas mounted in a gilt wood frame, 1943, Gérard Laenen (1899-1980), signed and dated in the lower left corner. Frame dimensions: H. 125 x W. 146 cm; subject: H. 98 x W. 117 cm.
Gérard Laenen (1899-1980), surrealist painter and sculptor. Student at the Academies of Malines (J. Rosier, T. Blickx) and of Brussels (C. Montald, V. Rousseau). Draws at the beginning aspects of Brussels and the Belgian flora. Travel to Germany and Burma (1931-32). Brings back from his travels in the Far East large, vivid shots of picturesque towns and impressive landscapes. Then, erasing this natural exuberance, returns to animal and plant structures, simple shapes, modules in a way, which he places in interstellar space. Subtly model of very elaborate nuances first with a knife, then with a brush. Is close in this last phase of surrealism.