This magnificent portrait of a Flemish maiden is a testament to Joseph Louis Geirnaert’s expertise in portraiture. The intricate details, from the jewels to the scarf, are nothing short of remarkable. This painting is a true masterpiece that will make a bold statement in any home. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add a piece of art history to your collection.
Geirnaert’s work is occasionally showcased in prestigious Parisian Salons, appearing in 1835 with “Huwelijksaanzoek”, in 1836 with “Hongaarse dokter” and “Gezicht te Scheveningen”, “Gerechtelijke uitdrijving”, and in 1845 with “Jan Steen bij de schilder Jan Van Goyen”. His participation in the 1849 Antwerp Salon included “De raadpleging”, “De confidentie”, “De dorpsschoolmeester”, and “Moeder met twee kinderen verschrikt door het onweer”.
Geirnaert, like many figure painters, also worked as a portraitist. His academic journey began at the Gentse Kunstacademie, where he studied “figuur” in 1806-1807, “tekening naar printen” in 1808, and “naar het model” in 1813-1814 under the guidance of Pieter Van Huffel. Even during his Gent studies, Geirnaert debuted at the local 1814 art salon with “Hoofd van de H. Maagd”.
Post-Gent, Geirnaert studied under G.H. Herreyns in Antwerpen and later collaborated with Joseph Paelinck in his Gent studio. Geirnaert frequently exhibited in the Salons of his era, with his 1818 Brussels Salon entry, “Belgisch officier stelt aan zijn familie een wapenbroeder voor die hem het leven heeft gered”, earning him a coronation and traditional celebrations in both Eeklo and Gent. The occasion was marked by a triumphant procession from Gent to Eeklo, attended by the Dutch painter Jan Willem Pieneman.
Several of Geirnaert’s works are displayed in Belgium’s most prominent museums, including those in Antwerpen and Gent.
Due to the damaged frame, we recommend that the painting be sold separately. It is our belief that this piece would benefit from a properly fitting frame.