Jos Van Belleghem ( Beernem 1894 – 1970 Veurne), Belgian Painter - A Portrait Of A Fisherman

Jos Van Belleghem
Beernem 1894 – 1970 Veurne
Belgian Painter

'A Portrait of a Fisherman'

Signature: signed bottom right
Medium: oil on canvas
Dimensions: image size 50 x 40 cm, frame size 61 x 51 cm

Notes: Jos Van Belleghem found his inspiration almost exclusively in the Westhoek region—the flatlands of Veurne-Ambacht, the ever-changing sea, harbor views, and the rugged figures of fishermen.

"A Portrait of a Fisherman" is a realistic yet slightly romanticized depiction with an impressionistic touch. The painting features a gently twisted profile of a strong fisherman wearing a cap, his eyes not directed at the viewer. The skin is rendered in various colors, and the surroundings harmonize with the overall composition. Van Belleghem's love for common people and his dedication to the tradition of portraiture have led to this incredible result.

Biography: Van Belleghem Jos was born in Beernem, Belgium, in 1894. He was a Belgian painter and draughtsman, renowned for his landscapes, marines, village views, harbors, seascapes, dunes, and depictions of fishermen. He was also the father of the sculptor Gilbert Van Belleghem (1924 – 2008).

Jos Van Belleghem studied at the Academy of Bruges under the guidance of the esteemed teacher and artist Flori Van Acker (1858 – 1940). During the First World War, he worked on the front lines of the Yser, where he became fascinated by the region. In 1921, he settled in Veurne, drawing almost all his inspiration from the Westhoek: the flatlands of Veurne-Ambacht, the turbulent or calm sea, the sturdy figures of fishermen, and harbor views. His paintings, while realistic, are slightly romanticized and imbued with an impressionistic touch.

He passed away in Veurne, Belgium, in 1970. Today, his paintings are held in both private and public collections, including the collection of the municipality of Veurne.

Literature:

Mentioned in the “Lexicon of West-Flemish Artists I”.
Le Dictionnaire des Peintres Belges du XIVe siècle à nos jours, La Renaissance du Livre, p. 986.
W. and G. PAS, Biografisch Lexicon Plastische Kunst in België, Arto, 2000, p. 418.
P. PIRON, De Belgische Beeldende Kunstenaars, Art in Belgium, p. 1332.