Object of the Day: A Belgian Cityscape

The last in my collection of paintings by the talented Robert J. Inness shows the City Hall of Malines, Belgium. Malines—though French in origin--is actually the name used by English speaking people to refer to this city. The town is officially called Mechelen and is in the province of Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. Mechelen is one of the major historical seats of Flemish art and has long been associated with magnificent painting, sculpture, wood-carving, lace and tapestry.


Here, we see the City Hall, resplendent with bold and colorful banners. Inness has captured the ornate façade of the edificice without overburdening the canvas with thick paint. Again, he shows us scale by introducing two figures on the building’s steps. Also jewel-like, this painting is another offering by Robert J. Inness which expertly captures the spirit of the location. In portraying a city known for its art, he has given us a painting of unsurpassed delicacy and beauty.