Théodore T’Scharner (1826–1906)
Barques (Ships), n.d.

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

Jeffery Howe
Professor Emeritus, Art History

The subtle tonalities of T’Scharner’s style capture the luminosity of the sky and its reflections in the water below. The dark forms of the ships make a strong contrast with the light in the sky, which is defined by vigorous strokes with a broad brush.

Like fellow artist Félicien Rops, T’Scharner was born in Namur where he received his first artistic training at the Academy. From 1850 to 1853 he traveled in California, producing drawings of scenes of the Gold Rush. He returned to Belgium in 1854.