The Duck Pond

Wagemaekers Victor was born on September 5, 1876, in Gannshoren, Belgium.

He distinguished himself as a Belgian realist painter and watercolourist, focusing on landscapes, village scenes, farms, and interior views. Victor Wagemaekers showcased his artistic prowess in his first exhibition with the esteemed group Le Sillon in 1899. Subsequently, in 1900, he embarked on a period of study under the tutelage of the renowned artist Franz Courtens.

Throughout his career, Wagemaekers extensively painted the landscapes of his native Belgium, exploring areas such as Brussels and its suburbs, the Campine region, and the Grimbergen countryside. His artistic repertoire included realized landscapes, genre scenes, and intimate interior views. Notably, he gained recognition for his mastery of refined, clear, and realistically painted watercolors, drawing inspiration primarily from the Brabant and Antwerp Kempen landscapes.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Wagemaekers played a pivotal role as the treasurer of the Société Nationale des Aquarellistes et Pastellistes, a society founded in 1899, with L. Rotthier serving as chairman.

In 1965, a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wagemaekers’ body of work took place at the Center of Art in Koekelberg. Today, his pieces are held in high regard, residing in numerous private and public collections, including museums in Antwerp and Turnout.

Wagemaekers Victor passed away in Brussels in 1953. His watercolours continue to be highly prized, with notable pieces such as “Autumn at the Old Castle” showcased in the Museum in Antwerp. His contributions are acknowledged in authoritative references such as BAS I and Two Centuries Signatures of Belgian Artists and Piron.