Van Romhaais y Bianchi (XX) - Paisaje al atardecer y Pescadores mediterráneos

This interesting lot brings together two landscape paintings of notable atmospheric richness, different in theme and treatment, but linked by an oil-on-canvas-on-panel execution, characterized by visible brushwork, sensitivity to light, and a clear pictorial vocation.

The first painting transports us to the Mediterranean coast, where a large white sail dominates the composition as several figures gather around the vessel, probably in a working scene or disembarkation. The characters, treated with small dabs of red, blue, white, and yellow, impart extraordinary liveliness to the scene.

Here the brushwork acquires a more impressionistic and spontaneous character, with abundant material applied directly to the surface. The sky, sea, and sand merge through broken strokes, while the sails receive a more luminous and impasto execution. The result conveys movement, breeze, and Mediterranean luminosity.

Unlike the previous work, this second painting presents a tranquil riverside landscape in which nature completely dominates the composition. A large tree, situated to the left, structures the foreground and guides the gaze toward a wide expanse of water that disappears into the distance. In the background, a faint line of vegetation and a sky laden with clouds receive a warm golden light, creating a serene and slightly melancholic atmosphere.

The richness of the work resides especially in the treatment of vegetation, built up with short, overlapping brushstrokes of a markedly tactile character, with greens, ochres, yellows, and earth tones that produce an extraordinary sense of lushness. The water, resolved horizontally, reflects the tones of the sky and vegetation through broken reflections. Van Romhaais’s execution connects with Dutch landscape painting traditions and with other works of his known for their atmospheric treatment and expressive use of impasto.

Overall, an attractive lot for the variety of its two landscape interpretations, offering the collector a piece of Central European landscape sensibility alongside a luminous and dynamic maritime scene.