Lot 40: Joseph Schippers (Belgian, 1868-1950) En consultation 25 3/4 x 31 1/2in (65.4 x 80cm)

Joseph Schippers (Belgian, 1868-1950)
En consultation signed and dated 'Jos. Schippers. 1924.' (lower left); signed, inscribed and dated 'En consultation / par / Jos. Schippers. / 1924.' (on the reverse)oil on canvas25 3/4 x 31 1/2in (65.4 x 80cm)

Provenance: Sale, De Vuyst, Belgium, 9 October 1999, lot 466;Acquired by the present owner at the Place du Sablon, Brussels, 2000.Joseph Schippers was the son of a wealthy merchant from Antwerp. From an early age, Joseph was fascinated with museums and would often go to the zoo and observe animals instead of attending to his studies. His father tutored him at home because of the frequency of his delinquency. In adulthood he entered into commerce like his father but was still fascinated by art and animals and in his free time continued to sketch and paint animals. His father finally relented and agreed to allow Joseph to become an artist after being noticed by a local painter for his talent. Schippers' paintings ironically address human hypocrisy, illustrating it by depicting human professionals as monkeys. Among his favorite subjects are judges doctors and accountants.In En consultation the two doctors are laughing and looking at a risqué paper instead of attending to the sick girl in the adjoining room.