What characterises 19th-century European river and canal paintings?

During the 19th century, artists frequently depicted picturesque European waterways, capturing daily coastal and canal life with fine architectural and maritime detail. These works were designed to evoke regional nostalgia and showcase masterly handling of light on water.

What materials were traditionally used for 19th-century framed oil paintings?

Paintings from this era were typically executed in oil on stretched linen canvas or wooden panels. Frames were predominantly constructed from timber carved or moulded with gesso and layered with genuine gold leaf application.

How do experts verify the authenticity of 19th-century oil paintings?

Authenticity is assessed by examining age-appropriate canvas weave, stretcher bar construction, craquelure patterns, and signature execution. Inspection under ultraviolet light also reveals historical restoration, cleaning, or retouching.

How can an antique framed oil painting be styled in modern interiors?

Positioning a gilded antique artwork above a clean-lined console table creates a refined visual contrast between traditional art and modern architecture. Layering the painting alongside contemporary ceramics or minimalist lighting balances the ornate frame.

What is the recommended care routine for antique oil paintings and gilt frames?

Keep the painting away from direct sunlight, radiators, and high humidity to prevent pigment fading and canvas movement. Dust the frame gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush, avoiding water or chemical cleaning agents on the delicate gold leaf.

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Antique Waterscape Oil Painting by William Dommersen 19th C

19th century

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

A beautiful waterscape painting " A view on the Amstel " by William Raymond Dommersen (British, 1859-1927) Signed, Signed with initials, and Inscribed on reverse, late 19th Century in date.

The painting has a captivating illuminating light with beautiful vibrant colours, it depicta a busy waterway with fishing and sailing boats in the foreground and the town of Amsterdam in the back ground.

William Raymond Dommersen was a painter of genre and landscapes in and around Scotland and Northern England. His works are widely exhibited throughout the European and North American continents and are on show at many galleries worldwide.

William travelled quite extensively in Europe on painting expeditions with his father

Dommersen’s paintings have been much admired over a period of time and it is evident that he is now firmly established in the history of architectural painting as is refelected in the auction prices at Christies:

Nineth century European Art: 12 September 2007, London South Kensington, Lot 29 £4,750

The Arthur Ackermann and Peter Johnson Collection: 8 May 2008, London, South Kensington, Lot 42, £4,000

Old Masters and 19th Century Art 9 November 2010, Amsterdam, Lot 110 £5,250

Nineth century European Art: 28 April 2010, London South Kensington, Lot 221 £5,250

Condition:

In really superb condition the painting and frame having been beautifully cleaned, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 59 x Width 50 x Depth 7 - Frame

Height 34 x Width 44 x Depth 7 - Canvas

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 8 inches x Depth 3 inches - Frame

Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 3 inches - Canvas

William Raymond Dommersen

was born at the end of 1859 in Stratford, West Ham, London as the only son of the Anglo / Dutch fine art painter Pieter Cornelis Dommersen and Anna Petronella Synja. His parents had moved from the Netherlands in 1855 to London, England. His uncle, Cornelis Christiaan Dommersen, was also a painter in the Netherlands. It is possible that when his father received British nationality that they changed their family name – van Dommershuijsen – into the more English sounding surname Dommersen.

Dommersen painted between 1875 and 1927 genre pieces, landscapes, marine scenes, village- and town-scenes of quality. His best known works are the European villages and towns along rivers and canals. He painted mostly in the Netherlands and England but visited also, often with his father and uncle, Belgium, France and Italy. His work such as view on the Canal Grande in Venice, river views in the Thames and Windsor Castle are well known. At some stage he lived in Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent, which was strategically placed for his travels to Europe. Whilst living in Royal Tunbridge Wells he painted The Pantiles there. Dommersen died in 1927 in London.

Our reference: A1813a

Physical Dimensions

Height

59cm (23.23")

Width

50cm (19.69")

Depth

7cm (2.76")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this 19th Century Oil Painting to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA860864

Dealers Internal Reference

A1813a

Description

A beautiful waterscape painting " A view on the Amstel " by William Raymond Dommersen (British, 1859-1927) Signed, Signed with initials, and Inscribed on reverse, late 19th Century in date.

The painting has a captivating illuminating light with beautiful vibrant colours, it depicta a busy waterway with fishing and sailing boats in the foreground and the town of Amsterdam in the back ground.

“

William Raymond Dommersen was a painter of genre and landscapes in and around Scotland and Northern England.

Regent Antiques

His works are widely exhibited throughout the European and North American continents and are on show at many galleries worldwide.

fig 1. A 19th-century oil painting depicting a Dutch canal scene with gabled buildings, boats, and figures, housed within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 1. Antique Waterscape Oil Painting by William Dommersen 19th C

William travelled quite extensively in Europe on painting expeditions with his father

Dommersen’s paintings have been much admired over a period of time and it is evident that he is now firmly established in the history of architectural painting as is refelected in the auction prices at Christies:

fig 2. A 19th-century oil painting depicting a Dutch canal scene with gabled buildings, boats, and figures, housed within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 2. Antique Waterscape Oil Painting by William Dommersen 19th C

Nineth century European Art: 12 September 2007, London South Kensington, Lot 29 £4,750

The Arthur Ackermann and Peter Johnson Collection: 8 May 2008, London, South Kensington, Lot 42, £4,000

Old Masters and 19th Century Art 9 November 2010, Amsterdam, Lot 110 £5,250

fig 3. A 19th-century oil painting depicting a Dutch canal scene with gabled buildings, boats, and figures, housed within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 3. Antique Waterscape Oil Painting by William Dommersen 19th C

Nineth century European Art: 28 April 2010, London South Kensington, Lot 221 £5,250

Condition:

In really superb condition the painting and frame having been beautifully cleaned, please see photos for confirmation.

fig 4. A 19th-century oil painting depicting a Dutch canal scene with gabled buildings, boats, and figures, housed within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 4. Antique Waterscape Oil Painting by William Dommersen 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 59 x Width 50 x Depth 7 - Frame

Height 34 x Width 44 x Depth 7 - Canvas

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 8 inches x Depth 3 inches - Frame

Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 3 inches - Canvas

fig 5. A 19th-century oil painting depicting a Dutch canal scene with gabled buildings, boats, and figures, housed within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 5. Antique Waterscape Oil Painting by William Dommersen 19th C

William Raymond Dommersen

was born at the end of 1859 in Stratford, West Ham, London as the only son of the Anglo / Dutch fine art painter Pieter Cornelis Dommersen and Anna Petronella Synja. His parents had moved from the Netherlands in 1855 to London, England. His uncle, Cornelis Christiaan Dommersen, was also a painter in the Netherlands. It is possible that when his father received British nationality that they changed their family name – van Dommershuijsen – into the more English sounding surname Dommersen.

fig 6. A 19th-century oil painting depicting a Dutch canal scene with gabled buildings, boats, and figures, housed within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 6. Antique Waterscape Oil Painting by William Dommersen 19th C

Dommersen painted between 1875 and 1927 genre pieces, landscapes, marine scenes, village- and town-scenes of quality. His best known works are the European villages and towns along rivers and canals. He painted mostly in the Netherlands and England but visited also, often with his father and uncle, Belgium, France and Italy. His work such as view on the Canal Grande in Venice, river views in the Thames and Windsor Castle are well known. At some stage he lived in Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent, which was strategically placed for his travels to Europe. Whilst living in Royal Tunbridge Wells he painted The Pantiles there. Dommersen died in 1927 in London.

Our reference: A1813a