Karel Van Belle 

Born in Ghent, Belgium, in 1884, Karel Van Belle is a renowned artist who left his mark on his era with his symbolist style and the poetry of his compositions. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent, under the tutelage of Jean-Joseph Delvin and Louis Tytgat, two emblematic figures of Belgian art. 

Perfecting his technique in portraiture and realism. Strongly influenced by academic art but retaining a certain creative freedom, Van Belle quickly developed a personal style, combining mastered technique and emotional depth in his works. 

Van Belle was well respected in the art world of his day. He participated in several national and international exhibitions, and his work was well received by critics and collectors alike. His works reflect both an attachment to pictorial traditions and a modernity imbued with a subtle approach to human emotions. 

Today, his paintings are sought after by Belgian art lovers and collectors, and his work is a window on Flemish culture and identity in the early 20th century. 

His contribution to Belgian painting is undeniable, and he continues to be studied by art historians for his technical mastery and his ability to capture human nature through paint.