Henry Schouten (1857–1927) Monkey Business at the Circus, oil on canvas circa 1890
With humor and vivacity, Henry Schouten presents us with a lively scene of monkey antics: on a circus ring, a pair of monkeys amuse themselves by throwing ice cream balls at each other's heads. The work, signed in the lower right corner and dated around 1890, combines refined execution with a mischievous spirit.
Dimensions:

Without frame: Height 64 cm – Length 54 cm

With frame: Height 91 cm – Length 81 cm
In excellent condition, this painting has undergone professional restoration and cleaning. It is enhanced by a gilded wood and stucco frame, which accentuates its charm and elegance.
Biography: Henry Schouten (Batavia, Indonesia, 1857 – Brussels, 1927) – Belgian master of animal realism
Birth and training Born around 1857 in Batavia, Indonesia, Henry Schouten settled in Belgium and trained at the Brussels Academy between 1876 and 1881. There he studied under Alfred Verwee, a renowned animal painter, whose influence profoundly shaped his art. Schouten then devoted himself to the realistic and precise representation of animals, a field in which he established himself as a major figure.
Renowned for his realistic animal paintings, Henry Schouten is a painter of understated and masterful realism, particularly appreciated for his rural scenes and portraits of domestic animals – cows, sheep, horses, and poultry. His works are characterized by anatomical precision, meticulous attention to detail, and a remarkable ability to capture the expression and movement of his subjects, always within a natural setting. Never resorting to idealization, he favors an authentic and nuanced approach, earning him the esteem of his peers and the public alike.
A multifaceted career Throughout his career, Schouten used several signatures: Jos Klaus, M. Claes, Joseph Klaas, E. Meulat Joors, V. Marinus and J. Remis. These pseudonyms allowed him to adapt his work to different media and audiences, from engravings intended for the press to canvases exhibited in salons or acquired by collectors.
Style and Legacy: His style, both technical and imbued with poetry, is rooted in the great tradition of Belgian realism, while also bringing a personal and sensitive touch. Although he also explored still life and genre scenes, it is his animal depictions that established his reputation. Henry Schouten died in Brussels in 1927, leaving behind a rich and varied body of work that reveals his deep attachment to nature and rural life.
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Henry Schouten (1857–1927) Circus Monkeys Oil on Canvas, c. 1890
With wit and liveliness, Henry Schouten presents a playful monkey scene: on a circus stage, a pair of monkeys amuse themselves by tossing ice balls at each other's heads. This finely executed and whimsical work is signed lower right and dates to circa 1890.
Dimensions:

Unframed: Height 25¼ in – Width 21¼ in

Framed: Height 35¾ in – Width 31⅞ in
In fine condition, this painting has undergone professional restoration and cleaning. It is elegantly presented in a giltwood and composition frame, which enhances its charm and sophistication.
Biography:

Henry Schouten (Batavia, Indonesia, 1857 – Brussels, 1927) – Belgian Master of Animal Realism
Birth and Training Born circa 1857 in Batavia, Indonesia, Henry Schouten settled in Belgium and trained at the Brussels Academy from 1876 to 1881. There, he studied under the renowned animal painter Alfred Verwee, whose influence profoundly shaped his artistic style. Schouten dedicated himself to the realistic and precise depiction of animals, establishing himself as a leading figure in the genre.
Recognized Animal Realism A refined and masterful animal painter, Henry Schouten is best known for his rural scenes and portraits of domestic animals—cattle, sheep, horses, and poultry. His works are distinguished by anatomical precision, meticulous detail, and a remarkable ability to capture the expression and movement of his subjects in their natural settings. Avoiding idealization, he favored an authentic and nuanced approach that earned him the admiration of both peers and the public.
A Multifaceted Career Throughout his career, Schouten used several pseudonyms: Jos Klaus, M. Claes, Joseph Klaas, E. Meulat Joors, V. Marinus, and J. Remis. These signatures allowed him to tailor his work to different mediums and audiences, from prints intended for the press to canvases exhibited in salons or acquired by collectors.
Style and Legacy His style, both technically skilled and poetic, aligns with the great Belgian realist tradition while infusing it with a personal and sensitive touch. Although he also explored still lifes and genre scenes, his animal depictions remain the cornerstone of his reputation. Henry Schouten passed away in Brussels in 1927, leaving behind a rich and diverse body of work that reflects his deep connection to nature and rural life.