Emile Gassée

About the Painting

This striking oil painting by Belgian artist Emile Gassée (1905-?), circa 1950, presents a dramatic still life composition featuring a theatrical devil mask alongside vibrant floral elements. The work showcases the artist's bold use of color and expressive brushwork, representing an important example of post-war European art.

The compelling composition features a dynamic arrangement of blue irises and yellow daffodils in a ceramic vase, juxtaposed with a theatrical devil mask that adds an element of surrealist intrigue to the traditional still life format. Set against a richly colored background with draped fabric, Gassée's masterful handling of color creates striking contrasts between warm terracotta tones and cool blues, while the bold brushwork demonstrates the influence of post-war European artistic movements.

The painting showcases exceptional technical skill in rendering both the delicate flower petals and the reflective surfaces of the pottery, while the devil mask introduces a carnivalesque element that reflects Belgium's rich tradition of theatrical and folkloric imagery. This combination of traditional still life elements with surrealist symbolism creates a work that is both visually arresting and psychologically complex.

Presented in its original ornate gilded frame featuring elaborate baroque-inspired molding with decorative corner flourishes, the gold finish perfectly complements the painting's warm palette and enhances its presentation.

About the Artist

Emile Gassée (1905-?) was a Belgian painter born in Ghent on May 29, 1905. He was active during the mid-20th century, with documented works dating to circa 1950. While detailed biographical information remains limited in available sources, Gassée's work represents the vibrant post-war Belgian art scene that emerged following World War II.

Working during the 1950s, Gassée was part of the post-war generation of Belgian artists who experienced the cultural and artistic renaissance that followed the liberation of Belgium. This period saw renewed creative expression and experimentation as artists processed the trauma and transformation of wartime Europe, often incorporating symbolic and theatrical elements into traditional genres like still life painting.

Technical Details

Artist: Emile Gassée (1905-?)
Signed: Lower right corner
Date: c.1950
Medium: Oil on canvas
Condition: Very good condition
Dimensions: 50 x 40 cm / 19¾ x 15¾ in
Frame: 61 x 51 cm / 24 x 20 in, original ornate gilded frame with baroque-inspired molding, very good condition
Origin: Belgium

A dramatic example of post-war Belgian still life painting with surrealist and theatrical elements.