SIR FRANK BRANGWYN, R.A., R.W.S. | Unloading Cargo, Bruges

The present painting depicts a scene unfolding on the Spieglerei Canal in Bruges, with the view looking south-west towards the Poortersloge (the Burgher’s Lodge) from near the Koningsbrug (King’s Bridge). Brangwyn was born in Bruges in 1867 and painted the city on several occasions. His oeuvre includes a similar view to this, entitled Place van Eyck, Bruges, which shows a closer view of the square immediately before the Burgher’s Lodge, Jan van Eyckplein. Historically, the square was an important trading centre and the lodge was a meeting place for merchants. By the time of Brangwyn’s painting, however, the building had become the national archive.