1879 – Maastricht – 1949
Dutch Painter
Young Girl Knitting
Guillaume (Giel) Eberhard, born on October 14, 1879, in Maastricht, was a prominent artist from Limburg and a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Limburg Art Circle. Eberhard’s oeuvre includes flower still lifes, landscapes, portraits, and cityscapes of Maastricht, the city where he lived and worked all his life.
Eberhard’s artistic journey began at the Drawing Academy in Antwerp, where he honed his foundational skills. In 1903, he furthered his education at the esteemed Amsterdam Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, studying under the guidance of Professor August Allebé and Professor Carel Dake. By 1906, Eberhard had returned to Maastricht, where he embarked on a career as an independent artist.
His work, often described as impressionistic, is characterized by its vivid depiction of light and color. Eberhard primarily painted landscapes, portraits, and flower still lifes, though he also explored the unique subject of aquariums in some of his works. His artistic style was strongly French-Belgian oriented, marking him as a conservative, elegant impressionist rather than an innovator.
Eberhard’s work gained significant recognition, and he regularly exhibited his pieces at notable venues such as De Onafhankelijken, De Larensche Kunsthandel, and the St Luke’s Guild in Amsterdam. His contributions to the art world were not confined to his paintings alone; he played a crucial role in fostering the artistic community in Limburg.
In 1910, Eberhard, alongside fellow artists Jan Bakhoven, Herman Gouwe, Rob Graafland, Henri Jonas, J. Van der Kooy, Jos Narinx, and Vic Reinders, founded the Limburg Art Circle. This initiative, spurred by Graafland’s vision, aimed to create a supportive and collaborative environment for artists in the region. Eberhard exhibited regularly at the Limburg Art Circle’s exhibitions, contributing to the vibrant local art scene.
Eberhard’s influence extended beyond his own work. He served as a private tutor to several aspiring artists, including Jan Bakhoven and Han Jelinger, imparting his knowledge and passion for art to the next generation.
Guillaume Eberhard’s legacy is one of dedication to his craft and his community. His contributions to the Limburg art scene and his impressionistic works have left an enduring mark. He passed away on February 17, 1949, in Maastricht, leaving behind a rich artistic heritage that continues to inspire.
