Fine Art M.S. Rau | The Connoisseur By Georges Croegaert

Georges Croegaert
1848-1923 | Belgian

The Connoisseur

Signed “Georges Croegaert Paris” (Lower Right)
Oil On Panel

A Cardinal Peers Through A Magnifying Glass At Gilded Treasures In This Exceptional Oil On Panel By Belgian Artist Georges Croegaert. The Composition Is A Rich And Exuberant Portrait Of The Life Of A Clergyman. Entitled The Connoisseur, The Painting Displays A Wonderful Sense Of Realism, Exhibiting Croegaert’S Skill For Capturing Texture, Light, Shadow And Detail In Each And Every Brushstroke. His Works Are Distinguished By His Uncanny Gift For Meticulous Workmanship And Are Beloved For Their Intrinsic Humor And Charm.

Born In Antwerp In 1848, Croegaert Studied At The Local Academy, Where He Was Greatly Influenced By The Style Of His Relation Jan Jakob Croegaert Van Bree. He Moved To Paris In 1876 And Established Himself As An Important Painter Of Genre Scenes, Society Women, And, Most Of All, Cardinals. Paintings Exposing The Worldly Wealth Enjoyed By The High-Ranking Members Of The Church Were Highly Popular During This Era Of French History. Discontent With The Hypocrisy And Lavish Lifestyles Of The Clergy, The Public Welcomed Satirical Works Such As This One.

The Artist Exhibited Regularly At The Paris Salon Between 1882 And 1914 And At Other Locales Throughout Paris, Brussels And Vienna. He Experienced Worldwide Popularity During His Lifetime, Particularly Amongst Wealthy English And American Collectors.

Panel: 13 1/2″ High X 10 1/4″ Wide
Frame: 18 5/8″ High X 15 1/2″ Wide X 3 3/4″ Deep