Famous Belgian Artists

Flemish artist Jan Brueghel the Elder was known for his collaborations with Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. His artwork followed various genres, among them historic paintings, still lifes, and landscapes. The artist was an innovator and invented new painting types such as flower garlands and paradise landscapes. As court painter to the Archduke and Duchess Albrecht and Isabella, he earned nicknames like "Velvet" Brueghel and "Paradise" Brueghel for his mastery in rendering fabrics and landscapes.

Flemish artist Pieter Brueghel the Younger was renowned for creating copies of his father’s artwork. He also created original compositions and pastiches in the Bruegelian style.

Belgian artist Paul Delvaux was renowned for his imagery depicting women, classical architecture, trains, train stations, and skeletons. He developed his own fantastical subjects and hyper-realistic style influenced by Giorgio de Chirico and René Magritte. His artwork combined the detailed beauty of academic painting with surreal juxtapositions, making him a significant figure in the art world.

Belgian artist and printmaker James Ensor was known for his influential artwork in expressionism and surrealism. The artist was associated with the artistic group Les XX. He had a unique style depicting dark and satirical themes with a touch of humor. The artist had a significant impact on the development of modern art.

Belgian artist René Magritte was a surrealist who was renowned for his unusual approach in depicting everyday objects. His imagery impacted various art movements, among them pop art, minimalism, and conceptual art. Magritte inspired new generations of artists to experiment with new ways of looking at and interpreting the world around them.

Flemish artist Quentin Matsys was known for his artwork in the Early Netherlandish tradition. He was active in Antwerp for over 20 years, creating numerous paintings with religious and satirical themes. He was the founder of the Antwerp School of Painting in the 16th century.

Belgian artist Felicien Rops was known for his association with symbolism, decadence, and the Parisian fin de siècle, a late 19th-century cultural phenomenon in Europe. The artist was also an illustrator, caricaturist, and printmaker.Rops is best remembered for his prints and drawings depicting erotic and occult themes, as well as his contributions to Belgian comics.

Flemish artist during the Baroque period Peter Paul Rubens was known for his creations referencing classical and Christian history. He is known for having painted altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and artwork with mythological themes. Rubens was also a skilled designer for tapestries and book illustrations. As a diplomat, he was knighted by European royalty.

Belgian artist Princess Delphine of Belgium was well-known for her artistic contributions. She was a respected member of the Belgian royal family, holding the title of Princess of Belgium. She became a respected member of the art world and left a positive impact on the artistic community through her works of art.

Flemish Baroque artist David Teniers the Younger (painting pictured above) was known for his innovative artwork through various genres like history, genre painting, landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. The artist was the leading Flemish genre painter of his time, noted for the development of the peasant genre and tavern scenes. He served as the court painter and curator for Archduke Leopold Wilhelm. The artist founded the Antwerp Academy to train young artists and revitalize Flemish art after a period of decline.

Prominent Flemish Baroque artist Anthony van Dyke excelled as a court painter in England. He picked up artistic skills tutored by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. Later he was recognized for his portraits of aristocracy, among them Charles I. He also created mythological, allegorical, and Biblical subjects. The artist was known for his innovative techniques in watercolor and etching.

Early Netherlandish artist Rogier van der Weyden was known for his religious triptychs, altarpieces, and portraits. His artistic style focused on detailed observation and idealized facial features, characterized by rich colors, expressive pathos, and naturalism. Van der Weyden's portraits were renowned for their half-length, half-profile compositions and sympathetic portrayal of subjects.