Joop Birker (1935–1993) - Schelde, Antwerpen

An impressive and large work by Joop Birker (1935–1993), executed in oil on canvas and signed at the bottom right.

Birker depicts here the Scheldt near Antwerp in his characteristic, expressive visual language. Ships, quays and buildings are not rendered in detail, but built up from bold brushstrokes, thick layers of paint, and a rich palette of blues, ochres, reds and earth tones. Above all, the robust handling of the material gives the surface a lively, almost tangible texture.

The work sits on the fascinating boundary between figuration and abstraction: the Antwerp harbor and the Scheldt remain clearly recognizable, while color, rhythm and paint texture take on an independent role.

Particularly interesting is the original inscription on the back of the canvas, bearing the artist's name, Antwerp and the title “Schelde”. This documents both the subject and the Antwerp context of the painting.

A powerful and representative work by Birker, also appealing due to its large size and its distinctly Antwerp subject.

Artist: Joop Birker (1935–1993)
Title: Schelde
Medium: oil on canvas
Dimensions: approx. 86 × 101 cm, including frame
Signature: signed at bottom right
Verso: inscription with name of the artist, Antwerp and “Schelde”