L'Oiseau Bleu oil on canvas breaking away from the conservative

breaking away from the conservative norms of Antwerp landscape painting

After the Liberation

The horizon seems to fade into light and a peaceful road ahead

the Belgian government commissioned Alfred Bastien and his friend Paul Mathieu to create the Panorama of the Congo

L'Oiseau Bleu oil on canvas breaking away from the conservative19th century oil paintingon canvas mounted on cardboard. The work is smooth to the touch. This painting features blue bird with a maroon breast, wings outstretched and tail fanned out, as though just landed on a branch. The bird is most likely a Maroon breasted Philantoma. The brushstrokes are precise and controlled, creating a detailed depiction. The lighting in the artwork is somewhat muted, but it is accentuated by the presence of a golden frame