Henri Houben (Belgian, 1858-1931), The Old Home Farm

Oil on canvas, signed at lower right, presented in a period gilt composition frame with gallery plaque.

Stretcher size 23 1/2 x 32 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 35 x 43 3/4 in.

Henri Houben initially trained as a violinist before turning to painting and enrolling at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Antwerp, where he studied under Charles Verlat. In 1885, he was appointed Professor at the Academy. Houben is best known for his idyllic genre scenes such as this painting, which often included villagers in the traditional dress of the Netherlands.

Later gold paint and some chipping and loss to frame.