Artwork

The Old Bourse, Flushing

The Old Bourse, Flushing, by Jules Lessore, watercolor, 1850
The Old Bourse, Flushing, by Jules Lessore, watercolor, 1850

The Old Bourse, Flushing is a watercolor work on paper by Jules Lessore. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Old Bourse, Flushing is a watercolour painting created by Jules Lessore in 1850, depicting a serene street scene centered around the former stock exchange building in Vlissingen, Netherlands.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the Old Bourse in Vlissingen, with its distinctive two-story yellow facade, green accents, and rooftop tower occupied by three enigmatic figures. The scene conveys a sense of everyday life, juxtaposing mundane pedestrian activity with the intriguing, unspecified presence on the tower.

Technique & Style

Lessore employed soft, loose brushstrokes to evoke a gentle interplay of light and shadow, imbuing the scene with a dreamy ambiance. The palette features muted tones, with notable color accents in the building's details and the multicolored roofs of adjacent houses.

History & Provenance

Created in 1850 by Jules Lessore, specific details regarding the painting's ownership history and exhibitions are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work reflects 19th-century European watercolour traditions, capturing architectural and everyday life details. Comparisons can be drawn with collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum, known for similar stylistic and thematic works.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is not explicitly outlined in the provided information, though its style and subject matter align with appreciated themes in watercolour art of its time.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jules Lessore

Jules Lessore drew the everyday edges of towns and ports in France and Scotland during the late 1800s.