Jef Diels (born 1952) completed his visual arts training at the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts. His subjects are contemporary, yet painted in the seventeenth-century tradition. He uses almost exclusively marten hair brushes, specifically those made from marten tails. This is to minimize, if not eliminate, brushstrokes. This creates the effect of what was called "beau fini" at the end of the seventeenth century. The most important foundation of his technique is monochrome underpainting, i.e., using very little color. The goal is to achieve a composition fully developed in light and dark, without paying much attention to the color. This comes in the next phase (after thorough drying) so that the light and dark shine through and are filtered. This creates a kind of "church window" effect. The composition of the painting medium is of paramount importance here, both for the underpainting and for the subsequent layers. This medium consists of precisely measured quantities of drying oils and, usually, self-made resin solutions. Jef Diels has had around twenty solo exhibitions over the years, both domestically and internationally, and has been nominated several times. The piece measures 52 x 49 cm excluding the frame. Dimensions below are measured including the frame. A condition assessment will follow. I opted for staining, but minimal and, if desired, spotless after cleaning. A beautiful work of art, exceptionally detailed on wood with a beautiful frame.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsMulti ColorMaterialWoodNumber of items1OrientationPortraitArt sizeMediumHeight76 cmWidth70 cmSigns of usageStains