Painting of Fishermen by Pierre Verbeke c.1950

Large square oil painting on canvas by the Belgian artist Pierre Verbeke (1895 - 1962) c.1950. Two fishermen in their traditional red smocks work together to roll and stow a trawl net. With the prow and rigging of a sail fishing boat and some wooden harbour structures behind them. Very well painted in rich colours and a bold mid-century style. Clearly signed in the lower right hand corner. Very small hole in the canvas above the right hand figure. Otherwise excellent condition. Presented as found, unframed on a simple wooden stretcher.
Pierre Verbeke was born and lived in the Belgian port city of Ostend. Harbour views and scenes of working fishermen were a frequent subject.