Oscar’s House

Oscar’s House, which is located at the heart of Lier, is the former home of Oscar Van Rompay (1899-1997). In the seventeenth century it was part of a boarding school for girls. During the French occupation the school and convent were abolished and sold. The building was then used by De Heyder and co, a local textile company. 23 years later the company moved to the Netherlands. After the building was demolished the land was sold to a couple, who installed a damask weaving mill there. Upon the death of the youngest daughter, Oscar Van Rompay and his wife Jeanne van der Wee acquired the property in 1936. Van Rompay sketched and painted landscapes, cityscapes, circus scenes, portraits and still lives there. Today they exhibit more than 50 drawings and paintings.

Oscar Van Rompay depicts the monumental Doge’s Palace near the lively St. Mark’s Square in a diverse colour palette. A large number of people have come to soak up the cultural splendour of Venice as portrayed by the artist using brushstrokes and vivid colours. On the right, a man can be seen waiting in his gondola for potential customers. In the summer crowds several walkers curiously observe the shore, whereas others admire the monumental buildings.