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Eugène Boudin, 'Brussels Harbour', 1871

About the work

Overview

During the Franco-Prussian War in the winter of 1870–71, Boudin left Paris to avoid the fighting. But unlike his friend Monet, who went to England, he based himself in Brussels. He was no doubt encouraged by his art dealer telling him there was a ready market for his marine scenes in Belgium.

While he was in Brussels, Boudin produced a number of paintings of the fishmarket, the canals and the small commercial port. The harbour was not particularly busy, and this must have suited Boudin, who generally preferred tranquil ports to bustling industrial ones. Here he stresses the picturesque quality of the buildings, barges and small boats, calmly at anchor. The receding lines of the masts lead us along the channel and into depth. The predominantly grey palette is relieved by a few touches of red and yellow. Unlike Boudin’s beach scenes, human presence is implied rather than shown.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Brussels Harbour
Artist dates
1824 - 1898
Date made
1871
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
42 × 65 cm
Inscription summary
Signed; Dated
Acquisition credit
Bequeathed by Helena and Kenneth Levy, 1990
Inventory number
NG6530
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Frame
20th-century Replica Frame

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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