Francis Hopkinson Smith (American, 1838-1915) pastel and gouache painting depicting a canal with boats in the Belgian city of Bruges on a partly sunny day. Several figures are standing alongside the canal, with a church steeple in the background. Signed lower left. Titled "Bruges" on plaque, lower center of frame, with artist's name below. Numbered 14726 en verso. Giltwood molded frame is likely original. Sight – 13" H x 23" W. Framed – 23" H x 32 1/2" W. Circa 1900. Biography: the grandson of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Francis Hopkinson Smith grew up in Baltimore and was known for his work as an engineer. He worked on the foundation for the Statue of Liberty and the stone ice breaker at Bridgeport, CT. A self-taught painter, he illustrated some of his own books, which included twelve novels and numerous travel journals. His books proved so popular that he was able to retire from engineering and devote his time to travel. He worked on paintings while traveling in Europe and in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, where he was part of an artist's colony. He exhibited at the National Academy of Design in New York City, the Brooklyn Art Association, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Boston Art Club. Provenance: the estates of Llewellyna and James T. Granbery, Historic Seven Springs Farm, Brentwood, Tennessee. CONDITION: Couple of flakes, 1/4" or smaller, upper left quadrant; 2 1/2" scratch or dark mark across center sky area. Frame regilt with some shrinkage.