The Shepherd with his Flock – Le berger et son troupeau

Cornelis Van Leemputten (Werchter, 25 January 1841 – Schaerbeek, 23 November 1902) was a Belgian painter renowned for his tranquil, detailed depictions of sheep and poultry, both indoors and in the open air. He was the elder brother of genre painter Frans Van Leemputten, while his cousin, Jan Leopold Van Leemputten (1831–1925), was also known for his paintings within the same genre.

In 1852, Van Leemputten moved with his family to Sint-Joost-ten-Node, later returning briefly to Werchter before finally settling in Schaerbeek. He worked primarily in the regions of Brabant and the Kempen, capturing their quiet, pastoral beauty with sensitivity and realism.

Although Van Leemputten was briefly enrolled at the Antwerp Academy, he received no formal academic training, making him largely self-taught. He took a few lessons from his father, Jan-Frans Van Leemputten, a farmer who became an animal painter and had worked as a restorer at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels. His artistic development was further inspired by the works of Anton Mauve (1838–1888) of the Hague School and the French animal painter Charles Jacque (1813–1894).

In the 19th century, paintings of livestock enjoyed great popularity across Europe, with artists such as Rosa Bonheur, Filippo Palizzi, and Thomas Sidney Cooper achieving widespread acclaim. In Belgium and the Netherlands, Eugène Verboeckhoven had established a strong tradition in this genre, followed by Alfred Verwee and others. Although rooted in a rural tradition, these paintings were particularly sought after by urban collectors who felt a nostalgic connection to the countryside.

Van Leemputten’s paintings typically depict flocks of sheep grazing peacefully under expansive skies, ponds reflecting tranquil light, and shepherds tending their flocks, rendered with delicate brushwork and a warm, natural palette. His compositions convey a timeless calm, inviting viewers into a world of rural serenity.

He first exhibited at the Brussels Salon in 1875 and subsequently participated with success in many national and international exhibitions. He was awarded gold medals in Ghent (1883), Edinburgh (1886), Adelaide (1887), and Berlin (1896). His works were highly sought after during his lifetime and found collectors as far afield as the United States. In recognition of his artistic contributions, he was appointed Chevalier of the Order of Leopold in 1895.

Today, paintings by Van Leemputten can be found in the collections of museums in Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven, Middelburg, Bucharest, and Sheffield, including Landscape with Shepherd and Flock of Sheep at Museum M in Leuven. His works remaining highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the tranquil beauty of his rural scenes.

Van Leemputten’s art stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of the Flemish countryside, preserving a nostalgic yet vibrant vision of rural life with technical mastery and poetic calm.