1937 Emilie Antoine Verpilleux (Belgian / British, 1888–1964) Oil Portrait on Cate Gilt Frame/ Sold

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Description

A distinguished vintage oil portrait on canvas by Belgian–British artist Emilie Antoine Verpilleux (1888–1964), dated 1937 and signed lower right. … Read more A distinguished vintage oil portrait on canvas by Belgian–British artist Emilie Antoine Verpilleux (1888–1964), dated 1937 and signed lower right. Known for his refined technique and sensitivity to light and form, Verpilleux here captures a young boy posed confidently against a luminous pastoral sky, dressed in a navy jacket, red waistcoat, and grey trousers. The detailed rendering and balanced composition exemplify the artist’s mastery of portraiture.

Housed in an ornate, floral-carved gilt frame that beautifully complements the work’s period charm. The painting is in good vintage condition with three small holes—one larger area professionally repaired—visible upon close inspection (see photos for details). A fine piece for collectors of early 20th-century portraiture or admirers of Verpilleux’s work, ready to hang and enjoy.

Émile Antoine Verpilleux

Émile Antoine Verpilleux MBE (3 March 1888 – 10 September 1964) was an Anglo-Belgian artist who specialised in woodcut printmaking.[2][3] He was the first artist to have hung a coloured print work at the Royal Academy.[3]

Born in Notting Hill, London, to a Belgian father (also called Émile Antoine Verpilleux) and a Scottish mother (Edith Verpilleux, née Beard), he was educated in France for two years at the age of 10, but was otherwise brought up in England. He began his art education at the Regent Street Polytechnic[4] and then at the age of 18, moved to the Antwerp Académie des Beaux Arts.[3] He returned to the UK after three years and worked as an occasional illustrator for monthly magazines. A commission to illustrate the book The Charm of Beautiful Nonsense, by E Temple Thurston, resulted in more illustration work and gave Verpilleux the financial freedom to spend time developing his woodcut printing techniques.[4]

His work, including multi-coloured woodcuts such as St Paul's From Cheapside and St Pancras Railway Station, was taken up by the publishers Colnaghi & Co who helped to popularise his distinctive style in the run up to, and following, the First World War.[4]

He served with the rank of Captain[4] in the Royal Air Force in the First World War, was mentioned in despatches and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1919 New Year Honours.[5][6][4] Several of his works are in the Royal Air Force Museum.[2] A series of murals Verpilleux painted of 1930s Bermuda that were on display in St. George's Town Hall have been restored after being damaged by Hurricane Fabian

Measures:
41.0“ w x 4.0“d x 62.5“ h / Inches

In good Vintage condition with typical wear / marks consistent with age. The painting has 3 holes, the largest one was repaired.
Please see all photos for additional details.
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