Louis Robbe (Belgian, 1806-1887), A Serene Flock

Oil on canvas (lined), signed at lower left, presented in a period giltwood composition frame.

Stretcher size 18 1/8 x 24 in.; Frame dimensions 29 x 35 in.

From the Estate of Dr. Charles & Shirley Herring, Kinston, North Carolina

Louis Robbe was a Belgian painter renowned for his animal paintings, particularly depictions of cattle, horses, and rural scenes. Born in Kortrijk, Belgium, Robbe initially studied law but soon abandoned it to pursue art. He trained under landscape painter Jan Baptiste De Jonghe and was also influenced by Dutch and Flemish masters of the 17th century.

Robbe gained recognition in the 1830s and 1840s for his realistic yet harmonious portrayals of livestock set within detailed landscapes, becoming one of the leading animal painters in Belgium. His works were celebrated for their keen observation of anatomy, rich tonal quality, and atmospheric settings. He exhibited widely, earning medals at international exhibitions in Paris and other European cities, and was a member of the Royal Academy of Belgium.

The painting has been professionally lined, with light age cracking and minimal retouching visible under UV light.