L. CORBELIS (DATES UNKNOWN) PLAGES BELGES. Circa 1920s. 38 1/2x23 1/2 inches, 98x60 cm. La Lithographie Artistique, Bruges. Condition B+: restored loss in upper right corner; vertical and horizontal folds; minor overpainting in margins. By the 1920's, the beach cities along Belgium's north coast were widely regarded as popular vacation destinations. Promoters developed a variety of leisure activities and venues such as casinos, pristine beaches and boardwalks, spas and therapeutic mineral springs, coupled with an overall luxury-resort atmosphere. Here, the artist forgoes the trappings of luxury and shows a fresh-faced and fashionable young woman swimming in the ocean off the coast of Ostende, with the city's impressive Kursaal in the background. Her lively presence broadcasts the notion that going away on holiday to one of these beachside resorts provided not only a good time, but also a certain regenerative effect.
