This week I picked up a small watercolour by a Belgium painter. #FransVervloet (1795-1872) received his early training in Brussels along with his brother. His aptitude for painting was noticed and he received a scholarship to study in Rome. He remained for two years mainly producing architectural works of the churches and ruins in the city. Naples was his next abode . Here he remained for 30 years. He established the ‘Scuola di Posillipo’. This group was characterized by a clear palette, sketchy brushwork, and lucid organisation.

Vervloet loved to travel in search of places and scenes to inspire his painting. This took him as far afield as Istanbul. In 1854, Vervloet moved to Venice. Where he resided until his death.

The watercolour, I acquired is of Santa Maria Salute in Venice. It is signed and the location is noted on the lower right. It is undated. It is known that Vervloet visited Venice in 1834-35 and lived in Venice from 1854 to his death so might come from as early as 1834. A nice image with excellent perspective and motion from the boats and gondola.