Large Antique Belgian Floral Still Life Oil Painting by Clémence Van den Broeck (1843–1922)

A dramatic turn-of-the-century (Circa 1900) floral still life by the Belgian artist Clémence (Clem) Van den Broeck (1843–1922). This richly painted oil on canvas features bold colour, deep shadow and exquisite detail, embodying the elegance and intensity of late 19th-century Flemish still-life painting.

This striking antique Belgian still life presents a lush array of flowers arranged with theatrical depth and atmosphere. Golden chrysanthemums, red dahlias and clusters of purple violets glow against a dark, velvety background, while brass vessels and glassware catch traces of light. The painting’s dramatic palette and layered composition showcase the artist’s superb control of tone, texture and reflection.

Signed in the lower right by Clémence Van den Broeck, a noted Belgian woman artist active during the late 19th and early 20th century, this work reflects her refined academic training and affinity for classical still-life structure. Van den Broeck was among the women painters of her era who pursued professional art careers at a time when the field was overwhelmingly male, and she developed a reputation for richly coloured compositions inspired by the Flemish realist tradition.

The painting is presented in a substantial period gilt frame that heightens the work’s sense of depth and grandeur.

Condition:
The painting has been to the restorer for a cleaning and new varnish applied. Good antique condition with fine age craquelure and minor wear. Frame shows natural patina consistent with its age. Please see all photos

Belgian School
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right
Clémence Van den Broeck (1843–1922)
Circa 1890–1910

Artist Bio — Clémence Van den Broeck (1843–1922)

Clémence Van den Broeck was a Belgian painter born in Mechelen in 1843 into a deeply artistic family. She developed a reputation for richly rendered still lifes, interiors, portraits, and genre scenes, all marked by refined colour and atmospheric detail.

After the death of her father, she moved to Paris, where she lived and worked for twelve years. During this period she exhibited successfully at the Paris Salon and at major universal exhibitions in Paris, Lyon, Brussels, Antwerp, Philadelphia, and London. Widely travelled and highly regarded, Van den Broeck established herself as an accomplished international artist during an era when professional recognition for women painters was far from guaranteed.

In 1891, she immigrated to Canada, settling in London, Ontario, where she opened a studio on Princess Avenue. She quickly became a central figure in the region’s art community. Van den Broeck played a pivotal role in founding the Women’s Art Club of London, a cornerstone institution for the development of women artists in Canada. She taught watercolour, drawing, and oil painting, becoming a sought-after instructor thanks to her European training and exhibition record. She served as the Director of Art at Harding Hall and later as Head of the Art Department at Hellmuth College, one of the most prestigious women’s educational institutions in Ontario at the time.

Van den Broeck returned to Paris in 1894, where she was formally honoured by the French government and awarded the Palmes Académiques, recognising her contribution to the arts. At the end of the decade she relocated again to Detroit, opening a studio and teaching sculpture, painting, and drawing before eventually returning to Belgium. She passed away in Ukkel in 1922.

Her work is today held in several collections, most notably at:
• Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA)
• M - Museum Leuven
• Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (Brussels)
• Museum of Fine Arts Ghent
• Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium

Sizing incl Frame:
Height: 31.89 inch (81cm)
Width: 23.43 inch (59.5cm)
Depth: 2.36 inch (6cm)

Sizing Painting:
Height: 25.98 inch (66cm)
Width: 17.32 inch (44cm)

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Antique paintings (+100 Years) are "Duty Free" within the USA, Canada, Australia and the European Union, you should NOT be charged any additional taxes for import and duty. As nearly all items in the shop are over 100 years old and classified as “antique” or “antique art” the objects are considered “Duty Free”. Amsterdam Curated will provide the appropriate certifications for the customs officials to ensure all qualified items will be shipped with this “Duty Free” classification. In the UK, it is not "FREE" but there is a reduced VAT of 5% paid at import.