An 1873 oil on beveled mahogany panel titled "In De Lente (In Spring)" by Albert Frans Lieven De Vriendt. Depicting a young woman seated in a boat amongst jasmine and lilac bushes. Signed "AD. Vriendt" off the left edge above gunwale. Signed, dated, and titled verso. Verso also having partial paper label with poem by Flemish poet, Jan Ferguut (1835-1902) describing the subject and verses of the poem. Inventory number "342" written to the verso by an unknown hand. Frame measures H 19.5" x L 23.5" x D 2.5".
"And jasmines, purple clusters, hang
above her, seasoning the air with balm:
And she sits, dreaming, she knows not of what, you lie down.
Knows the flower, why do you open a silk chalice?
Does the wind know why he kisses them and caress them?
Does the virgin know why she should almost weep?
Tell me, Diehter!
Poems and thoughts." - Jan Ferguut (Flemish poet, 1835-1902)