Florent Willems (1823-1905) - The Promise

Florent WILLEMS (Liège, 1823 - Neuilly-sur-Seine, 1905)

The promise

Oil on mahogany panel
Signed lower left
46 x 32 cm

Student of the Academy of Mechelen, WILLEMS exhibited for the first time in 1840. He came to settle in Paris in 1844 and settled there. Early recognized as restorer and talented painter, he was responsible for the restoration of St. John of RAPHAEL, the Louvre, and it devoted two years of work.

His success was great, Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1853, Officer in 1864, Commander in 1878, he was also in the Order of Leopold, Knight in 1851, Officer in 1855, Commander in 1860. Alfred Stevens was his student and his great friend.

He was pleased to be painted little anecdotes XVI and XVII centuries, making history a bit like Alexander DUMAS, in a style close to that of METSU or TER BORCH.

He is also the author of cardboard carpet and furniture designs.

Museums: Amsterdam - Antwerp - Brussels - Dublin - Hamburg - Liege - Nice - Vannes - Vienna