William Degouve de Nuncques (1867–1935)
Vue de Stavelot (L’été, Ardenne) (View of Stavelot [Summer, Ardennes]), 1925

Oil on canvas
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College, Gift of Charles Hack and the Hearn Family Trust

Jeffery Howe
Professor Emeritus, Art History

In 1919, Degouve returned to Belgium, establishing himself in Stavelot, an ancient town in the Ardennes near Spa. This sun-drenched image shows a deep vista of the Ardennes viewed from a hilltop fringed with conifers. Here he returns to the light-filled scenes he painted before the war. Nature offers the promise of new life and continuity after the desolation of trench warfare. The fresh colors and peaceful landscape provide an image of hope.