Marcel Stobbaerts Lot n° 526

Les Arènes du Nord, la kermesse. Oil on canvas, border-doubled. (1920). Approx. 121 x 99 cm. Signed lower right. In the present painting, the artist takes the viewer on a trip to the fair. Whether the rides with the horses or the Wild Mouse, the prize shooting, the acrobats and the belly dancer - everything that characterizes a beautiful "kermesse" (Engl. funfair) is gathered in the picture. Stobbaerts shows the viewer a whirlpool of impressions, music and experiences that is hard to escape. The event of a "Kermesse" goes back to the Kirchweihtag. Since the Middle Ages, on the occasion of the consecration of a church, this day has been celebrated every year with special festivities. The form of the celebrations vary greatly from region to region and are firmly anchored in the respective customs. However, over the centuries a secular part has developed around the church festival, which is accompanied by fairground rides and various amusements. Marcel Stobbaerts captures the colourful hustle and bustle here in masterly fashion. Exhibition: Art Deco Belgique 1920-1940, Musée d'Ixelles, Brussels 1988, cat.-no. 128, with col. ill. p. 97. Provenance: Claude Aguettes S.A.S., Paris 4.4.2012, lot 143; private collection, Europe. Taxation: Regular Taxation (VAT).