Emile Claus, 1849 - 1924 Lot n° 91

The Thames Docks in the Rain, London (1918) Oil on canvas Sig. "Londen 18" and on the back on label "No. 29 / Embankment - rain / White horse" 61 x 61 cm Exhibition label on the back "Retrospectieve Emile Claus" PMMK, Oostende 1997, cat. no. 146, p. 216 ill. coll. Dr. Van der Stricht, Antwerp IN ALL WEATHERS In the period 1916-1919, Emile Claus' artistic activity took off during his stay in London. A completely new artist blossomed on the banks of the Thames, and he was able to appreciate the appeal of the city. Before that, he had loved the countryside, the Leie and the impressions of nature. "He sees from his studio high above the Thames, the changing view of the river, and looks at it all with the same cheerful eyes with which he saw his meadows and fields and the Lys before his door in Astene. "(Leo Van Puyvelde 1917). In London, Claus lives in a tower studio with a view of the Thames. He entered into an intimate relationship with the river, which he subjected to intensive research into light and atmosphere. Claus got to know its different aspects in perpetual change under the influence of sun, fog and clouds. It was an endless atmospheric spectacle unfolding before him. This prompted him to change his brush and painting technique, which is more subtle and sensitive to strokes and nuances. Claus manages to create a masterful impression of the bustle of the Thames quay. Cyclists and pedestrians venture through the typically English weather, defying rain and wind. Their silhouettes, like those of trees and boats, are veiled by drizzle and rain. The wet surface reflects the shadows. Plumes of smoke float on the wind in the foreground. It is the suggestion of atmospheric conditions, not their literal representation, that makes the painting wonderful. A few light greens and yellows balance the colour palette.