Joseph SPEYBROUCK
Belgian
1891-1956

Fête de Noël - L' adoration de Bergers
Adoration of the Shepherds 1924
Invenietis infantem pannis involutum et positum in præsepio

Original Chromolithograph Brussells 1939

22 1/4 x 14 1/2” (56.5 x 36.8 cm.) including letters.

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This very fine Art Deco design was created in 1924 printed by J.Degréve & Co and published in 1939 by the Apostolat Liturgique Abbaye de St. Andre it depicts ‘Invenietis infantem pannis involutum et positum in præsepio.’ (Here you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger). The Adoration of the shepherds & shepherdesses to, a surprisingly mature, Jesus and Holy Family. The is Christmas scene is overseen and blessed by the gracefully depicted female ‘angel of the Lord’ The clever design is rich in colour and stark of line, notably in the depiction of clothing and fabric that is typical of Speybrouk’s images which have made his works so collectable, not just for their religious imagery, exquisite printing, but as splendid examples of the Art Deco movement.

Jos Speybrouck (1891-1956) was a Belgian artist, painter, printmaker, draftsman and illustrator. His individual interpretation of the Art Deco style brought a Flemish awareness to a wider audience. Speybrouck definitely belongs there, given his use of simplified, elongated forms, sinuous lines, geometric, almost pyramidal compositions, and brilliant colour. Not that Speybrouck particularly cared about artistic labels. The son of a restorer of antiques, he used to accompany his father on repair jobs in churches and monasteries around Belgium, steeping himself in medieval lore. Speybrouck received a Roman Catholic education, attending the Academy in Kortrijk and the St Lucas Institute in Ghent, he later taught art in parochial schools, and remained a faithful servant of the church all his life, believing his art should not only move viewers but teach them.
From 1923 to 1940, Speybrouck worked closely with the Benedictine Order at the Abbaye-de-St.-Andre near Bruges in creating a cycle of chomolithographic Illustrations of the liturgical calendar. He was a lifelong teacher of painting and drawing at the Saint-Luc Institute in Tournai and at the Institute of Our Lady of Flanders in Kortrijk.

Assomption de la Bienheureuse Vierge Marie. Marie proclamé bénie entre toutes les femmes 1927
Fecit mihi magna qui potens est [Who is mighty has done great things for me.]

Original Chromolithograph. Printed J.Degréve & Co. Brussells 1939 22 1/2 x 14 3/8” (57.2 x 36.8 cm.) including letters.
Ref. LRA/ - / dd.andg >DAL   PRICE CODE A

 

 

5me. Dimanche après la Pentecôte.
Relinque ibi munus tuum ante altare, et vade prius reconciliari fratri tuo. [Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother. (Matthew5:20-24)]

Original Chromolithograph.1925 printed J.L. Goffart. Brussells 1939 22 5/8 x 14 1/2” (57.5 x 36.58 cm.)
Ref. LRA/ - / dd.andg > DAL  PRICE CODE A