Highly detailed riverside scene by Rudi De Vos, featuring an abandoned boat along a lush, overgrown bank; oil on board, signed and dated 1989.

“De sloep aan de begroeide waterkant” (1989) captures Rudi De Vos at his most contemplative. The artist presents a quiet riverside corner where an empty wooden boat rests on the exposed bank, surrounded by dense, layered greenery. De Vos’ trademark realism is immediately recognizable: every leaf, branch and shadow is rendered with attentive precision, yet never feels rigid or photographic. Instead, the scene carries a gentle stillness, the kind one encounters on warm, windless days along the Rupel region he knew so well.

Working on prepared board allowed De Vos to achieve the finely textured, softly glowing surface that defines much of his œuvre. Here, the subtle transitions in light — from the sandy bank to the darker foliage — create a natural depth that draws the viewer into the landscape. Though devoid of human presence, the painting feels deeply connected to lived experience: a familiar, almost intimate riverside moment preserved with care.

The painting comes from a private collection.

Details

Artist: Rudi De Vos (Boom 1944 – 2023 Boom)
Title: De sloep aan de begroeide waterkant, 1989
Technique: Oil on board
State: Excellent
Signature: Signed and dated
Sale with frame: Yes
Size without frame: 49 cm × 39 cm
Size with frame: 63 cm × 53.5 cm
Provenance: Private collection