Einde Augustus - End of August

The present work was painted from the grounds of 'Zonneschijn', the artist's house at Astene, on the banks of the river Lys. 'Zonneschijn', where he settled in 1883, was the setting of many of Claus's most important works. His house became a haven for many artists and writers. One can see the influences of Henri Le Sidaner and Claude Monet, visible in the bold brushwork and luminous palette in this large composition, executed shortly after Claus had abandoned academic naturalism in favour of plein airisme. It was only after 1890, following many winters spent in his Paris studio, that Claus liberated himself from the tighter technique of the Naturalist painters such as Bastien-Lepage. Encouraged by Le Sidaner he began to experiment with impressionistic brushstrokes, exploring new means of capturing light. Emile Verhaeren, a close friend of the artist, wrote of Claus' work: 'His art is sure, clear and ceaselessly in search of air, light and life. It commands respect this country as the art of a Master' (World Impressionism: The International Movement, New York, 1990, p. 261).

The canvas is inscribed 'j.i.' on the reverse, in the artist's unique coding system, referring to the date the work was painted.