AW589: Early 20th Century Impressionist Painting of Wintery Landscape

Early 20th Century Impressionist Painting of Wintery Landscape with figures and chalet.  Oil on board. Framed. In the manner of Leon De Smet. Unsigned. Sight: 14 x 18in. Overall: 16 x 20in. Born in Ghent Belgium 20th July 1881, Leon De Smet studied at the Academy Des Beaux Arts in Ghent where his celebrated brother Gustave de Smet studied before him.  De Smet briefly joined the expressionist group in Laethem and afterwards the circle of Vie Et Lumiere with Theo Van Rysselberghe. Leon's painting from the outset was impressionistic in style, and it was Emile Claus (1849-1924) who introduced Leon to 'Luministic Impressionism'.  His chosen subjects were landscape, figure and still life, his medium oil and pastel.  Much of his painting was rhythmical in style with thick impasto, and confident use of paint and colour.