André Hallet (1890 – 1959) - The Water Carriers

André Hallet
Liège, Belgium 1890 – 1959 Kisenyi, Rwanda
Belgian Painter

'The Water Carriers'

Signature: Signed lower left, placed and named on reverse
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: Image size 100 x 80,5 cm, frame size 120,5 x 100,5 cm

Biography: Hallet André, born in Liège in 1890, emerged as a luminary in the world of Belgian post-impressionist painting. His remarkable talent is showcased in over 60 museums worldwide, including the esteemed Louvre in Paris, France.
Hallet’s artistic journey was a breathtaking exploration across various genres. His mastery with the brush brought to life enchanting landscapes, bustling cityscapes, serene garden views, captivating marine scenes, evocative genre depictions, and intimate portraits.

Under the guidance of R. Heintz, André Hallet began his artistic odyssey, further refining his craft at the Academy in Liège. The South of France played a pivotal role in his development, where the transcendent allure of light and sun infused his work with a cheerful and impressionistic burst of color. The vibrant hues mirrored the radiant landscapes of Flanders and the Mediterranean, from the sun-kissed shores of Southern France to the picturesque vistas of Italy.

In 1920, Hallet embarked on a new chapter, working in the enchanting city of Bruges before settling in Leuven. Each location left an indelible mark on his art, contributing to the rich tapestry of his creative journey.

A significant turning point occurred in 1934 when the Belgian government sent him to Congo. Later, in 1947, he found his home on the shores of Lake Kivu in Kisenyi, present-day Rwanda. There, captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of the African landscape, he spent the remainder of his life, leaving behind a lasting legacy upon his passing in 1959.

During his time in Africa, Hallet formed a deep connection with Tutsi king Mwambi Matura III of Ruanda-Burundi. This relationship inspired a series of exquisitely detailed portraits, offering a glimpse into the regal splendor of the king’s family and court.

Before his African sojourn, Hallet’s artistic wanderlust led him through the enchanting landscapes of southern France, Naples, Capri, and Sicily during his formative years, known as his “European period,” laying the foundation for his later masterpieces.

Hallet’s most renowned works capture the enchanting essence of Congo and the breathtaking vistas surrounding Lake Kivu in present-day Rwanda. These paintings stand as timeless testaments to his enduring talent.

Today, André Hallet’s artistic legacy lives on in the collections of prominent museums, including the Museum of Brussels, Tournai, Leuven, Liège, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Paris, Belgrade, Kaunas, Ottawa, and New York.