Benton Fine Art has dated these French Townscape Oil Paintings to the 1880s.
German/British, (1841-c.1914)
Chartres, France & Metz, Lorraine
Oil on canvas, pair, both signed
Image size: 10 inches x 8 inches (each)
Size including frame: 15 inches x 13 inches (each)
A lovely pair of French townscape paintings featuring Cathedrals by Henry Schafer. The first offers a view of Metz Cathedral and other medieval buildings from the river Moselle. On the right, figures can be seen at a market stall whilst others walk down a street. Meanwhile to the left, a boat is shown docking at a quayside in front of an archway.
Two figures are depicted next to a market stall on the left as others chat or make their way towards the square along a lane to the right.
Henry Schafer was born in Hanover, Germany in 1841. Although little is recorded about his upbringing, he was known to have studied at the l'Ecole National de Beaux-Arts in Paris. After leaving art school, he travelled throughout Europe painting town scenes and buildings of Northern France, Belgium and Germany. By 1864, Schafer had travelled to England with his wife Theresa, to work in London where they settled and started a family. All four of their children were born in England. One of his daughters Emilie Anna Schafer (1871-1937) became a painter and art teacher.
Around 1871, the family were living at 53 Vauxhall Bridge Road and in 1881 were recorded as residing at 6, Sophia Terrace, Beulah Road, Thornton Heath in Surrey, with Henry continuing to work as an artist. By 1891, he had moved to 7 St Peters Road in Islington where he lived for the rest of his life. Sometime around the turn of the century, he became a British subject. Schafer is believed to have died in London c1914.
Many of his works depict the architecture of gothic cathedrals and churches, as in these two fine examples. He also produced interior studies of churches. Schafer's style resembles that of Alfred Montague and follows the school of Samuel Prout. His works are highly decorative and are made even more interesting with the inclusion of ordinary folk going about their daily business.
Presentation: The paintings are housed in new, English made gilt frames which are in excellent condition.
Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, these works are offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.
© Benton Fine Art
Benton Fine Art has dated these French Townscape Oil Paintings to the 1880s.
Specialists in 19th & early 20th century original oil paintings by listed artists
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Benton Fine Art Profile Page
Benton Fine Art is a registered member of LAPADA BADA CINOA
Pair of French Townscape oil paintings featuring Cathedrals by Henry Schafer
