1906 – Brussels – 1982
Belgian Painter
Les Vieux – The Old People
Jean Devaux was a prominent Belgian painter known for his landscapes, genre scenes, and still lifes. Born in Brussels in 1906, Devaux was exposed to art from an early age, and his passion for painting was nurtured by his family’s artistic environment. His early artistic education took place at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, where he studied under the guidance of some of Belgium’s notable painters.
Devaux’s artistic career spanned several decades, and he became known for his intimate and atmospheric depictions of everyday life. His work focused on the beauty of nature and the countryside, often exploring the interplay of light and shadow in his landscapes. He was particularly skilled at capturing the nuances of natural settings, bringing a sense of tranquility and depth to his paintings. His still lifes and genre scenes, often depicting old streets, farmhouses, and intimate interior views, evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and reflect his deep connection to traditional Belgian life.
Devaux’s style evolved over time, initially influenced by impressionism, but he later incorporated elements of realism and romanticism into his work. His use of color was both delicate and vibrant, characterized by rich, velvety textures and subtle, almost ethereal tones. While many of his subjects were grounded in everyday scenes, he imbued them with a poetic and timeless quality, making his works both accessible and profoundly moving.
Throughout his career, Jean Devaux exhibited his work widely, both in Belgium and internationally. He received critical acclaim for his ability to blend technical precision with emotional depth. His works were shown in numerous exhibitions, including those in Brussels, Paris, and Rotterdam, where they were celebrated for their craftsmanship and atmospheric quality. In 1942, he held a notable exhibition at La Petite Galerie in Brussels, which was a significant moment in his career, affirming his reputation as a rising talent in the Belgian art world.
Devaux also worked in collaboration with other artists, contributing to the broader Belgian art scene. His influence is still appreciated today, as his paintings are part of many private collections and displayed in prominent museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Cambrai and the Stedelijk Museum in Kortrijk.
Devaux lived a quiet life, often in close proximity to the countryside that inspired much of his work. His paintings reflect his love for the natural world and his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jean Devaux passed away in 1982, leaving behind a legacy of evocative and beautifully rendered works that continue to captivate art lovers and collectors around the world.
LA PETITE GALERIE
(Owner: Achille Van Loo)
3, Avenue Louise - Brussels
Phone: 11 03 30
C. Ch. P. 117.036
Commercial Register: 16.302
Exhibition by: J. Devaux
No. 32
Title of the Work: The Old
Date: September 26, 1942
At La Petite Galerie, Jean Devaux, who had already made a name for himself with smaller-format paintings, presents for the first time an important body of work that will allow him to take stock at a decisive moment in his career. The merits of this young painter are evident.
Firstly, there is his velvety and smooth texture, which gives all his landscapes, even the less colourful ones, a particular radiance. Jean Devaux manages to maintain this wet freshness in his work, which is a serious asset for a plein-air painter. He also has an undeniable talent as a colorist, playing with an infinite range of subtle tones, while keeping each painting within a single palette. Perhaps the artist overuses easy picturesque subjects: old alleyways, dilapidated farms, dead-ends, etc. If he were to continue down this dangerous path, Jean Devaux could risk becoming a second-rate Gisoul. He is better than that, as demonstrated not only by some panoramic landscapes — The Approach of the Storm, notably, with the heavy threatening cloud — but also by more exceptional works like The Old, where figures sitting in front of a dark interior are masterfully depicted.
In this meticulous painting, the artist has applied his undeniable technical skills to convey an intense emotion.
It is worth making one last comment: the drawing of the buildings, as well as the depiction of the bare trees, would benefit from being more carefully watched, sharper, and more precise.
