Karel Cerný was a prominent figure in Czech modern painting whose works reflected both his personal emotions and the societal atmosphere of his time. His artistic growth was influenced by his intimate experiences and observations of his surroundings, and his melancholic demeanor was further compounded by a spinal disorder he suffered from.

However, Cerný's determination to overcome his challenges likely contributed to the exceptional power of his artwork. While his First Residence in Paris (1946) garners significant attention in literature, it is also noteworthy that he visited Antwerp during the same period.

He described the city as "fantastic" with its steamboats, ships, sailors, taverns, workers, and nightlife. Cerný was ...