Emile CLAUS (1849-1924). Tall trees in front of a beguinage in the Flemish countryside. Oil on canvas signed lower left, dated Oktober JJ (October 1900) and monogrammed on the back. Height : 81 cm - Width : 117 cm Note : Emile Claus was born in Belgium and trained academically at the Beaux-Arts d'Anvers. After his academic years, he decided to settle in Antwerp, where he rubbed shoulders with the Antwerp artistic circle: he enjoyed a certain success as a portraitist, took part in the Salon in Ghent in 1874 and was noticed by the art critic Camille Lemonnier. Lemonnier probably played a decisive role in his international renown, as did his marriage to Charlotte Dufaux, who belonged to a prominent notarial family. He subsequently made several trips to North Africa and Spain, before settling in Paris in 1889, where he rented a studio until 1892. During this period, he immersed himself in Impressionist painting, particularly the work of Claude Monet, which he particularly appreciated. Once again, it was Camille Lemonnier who introduced him to the Parisian artistic circle, enabling him to befriend the Symbolist painter Henri-Eugène Le Sidaner. He was also supported by the Galerie Georges Petit. Our work, dated 1900, is part of this period of artistic renewal, when his interest shifted to light. His palette brightened and his work focused on scenes of luminous countryside. This was known as "luminism", of which Émile Claus was the leader in Belgium. He is also known as the "Painter of Light". In 1904, he founded the Cercle Vie et Lumière, with the participation of James Ensor and Georges Lemmen. "He had created a Flanders of painters that painting had not yet known," said Camille Lemonnier in tribute to the invigorating novelty of his art. Provenance : Albert Bour (1874-1938), grandfather of the current owner, who in all likelihood acquired it from the artist. It has remained in the family ever since. Bibliography : C. LEMONNIER, Emile Claus, Bruxelles, G. van Ost Cie, 1908 (work reproduced P34 "Rue de village (1900), Collection de M. Bour, Paris").