“Belgian, French, Dutch and American Impressionism” will open at the Wiscasset Bay Gallery on Saturday, Aug. 8. Impressionist views of the Netherlands, Paris and New York will be exhibited alongside views of Venice and the French countryside.

Of particular note is a richly painted oil by Belgian artist Albert Roosenboom (1845-1875). Roosenboom died at the young age of 30, at the height of his artistic success. "Contemplation" depicts an elegant woman in a white flowing dress reclining on a chaise lounge. Her cat sleeps peacefully at her side adding to the ambiance of the sumptuous interior.

Contrasting Roosenboom's quiet work is Robert Henri's delightful, small oil of bustling New York Harbor. A tugboat is seen chugging past in the foreground against the backdrop of tall ships and an ocean liner. Henri was a leading figure in the Ashcan School and "The Eight" in New York City. His writings and teaching at the Art Students League influenced generations of American painters.

Exploring impressionism freely between North American and the Continent are works by Charles Ebert (1873-1959) capturing spring rhododendrons along the Connecticut River in Old Lyme; Cesare Villacres (1880-1941) depicting the horses and carriages and crowds in front of the Paris Opera House, and Joseph Pennell's (1857-1926) view of the streets of London.

Other important American and European artists featured in the exhibition include Carolus-Duran (1837-1917), Walter Dean (1854-1912), Aart Bijl (1885-1962), Sears Gallagher (1869-1955), John Whorf (1903-1959), Romeo Dumoulin (1883-1944) and John Fulton Folinsbee (1892-1972).

“Belgian, French, Dutch and American Impressionism” will be on display through Sept. 18.  For more information call 207-882-7682 or visit www.wiscassetbaygallery.com.

The Wiscasset Bay Gallery is open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is located at 67 Main Street (Route 1) in historic Wiscasset village.