H. van Leeuwen (XX) - Noord-Afrikaans straattafereel

H. van Leeuwen (XX) Sunny Oriental cityscape.

The work shows a sun-drenched cityscape with monumental city gates, a minaret and several figures in traditional clothing. The large arches create a strong sense of depth and lead the eye to the behind-the-scenes urban view. The green wooden balcony on the left forms a beautiful color accent against the warm sand-, ocher-, and earth-toned architecture.

What is especially characteristic is the fine handling of light and shadow. Van Leeuwen developed, under the influence of Impressionism and luminism, into a painter for whom depicting light was an important part of his work. During his travels and stays in France he painted many sunny southern landscapes in a lighter and more colorful palette. The work offered here is an attractive example of this: with a brisk brushstroke Van Leeuwen convincingly renders the warmth and atmosphere of the sunny street scene. The painting is signed in the lower right corner H. v. Leeuwen and is housed in the depicted light wooden frame. The painting has undergone some restorations (see photos).

Henk van Leeuwen studied, among other places, at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and from 1926 regularly at Parisian academies. He was a member of the Haagse Kunstkring and Pulchri Studio. Works by him were also purchased by Queen Wilhelmina.