Hearing at the court of the Duke of Burgundy.

Watercolour, partly enhanced with gum arabic, 38,7 x 31,7 cm, vellum paper, signed with black pen lower right, later titled with another hand on verso "hof van Bourgondie" (upper right corner lacking).

Leys (Antwerp 1815-1869) was a leading representative of the historical or Romantic school in Belgian and became a pioneer of the Realist movement in Belgium. His history and genre paintings and portraits earned him a European-wide reputation and his style influenced artists in and outside Belgium.
Joined, same artist: "Une cour espagnole" [Spanish courtyard]. Watercolour, 21,5 x 29,3 cm, vellum paper, signed lower left and titled lower right (frayed edges, foxing at right side). Verso: The fortune teller (a woman interprets the cards for two men, whom one has a sword) and, man in profile. (2 pcs)