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Louis Artan (1837-1890). Cityscape with cathedral. The painting has a good view. The piece does have several repairs, signs of age and wear. Signed on the back.
Artan was an early impressionist on the Belgian coast (Blankenberge/Heist/Knokke/Nieuwpoort) and is known for his very beautiful sea views.
From around 1860, Félicien Rops and Alfred Verwee explored the eastern Belgian coast, in particular the then completely secluded, picturesque fishing village of Knokke. In addition, Blankenberge would remain a popular destination for both in the following decade, where they were joined by Louis Artan, who emerged on the coast with his en plein air painting as perhaps the most important marine painter of the nineteenth century. He belonged to the important group of European early impressionists.
Artan had been spending the winter months in Paris for years. He had met Gustave Courbet and Camille Corot in Barbizon and had explored Brittany and the region around Genk. Through Hippolyte Boulenger he was also connected to the School of Tervuren.