Cloudy Fields

Joseph (Jef) Van de Fackere was born on October 30, 1879, on Sint-Walburgastraat in Bruges. He was a celebrated Belgian painter and pastel artist, renowned for his exquisite portraits, still lifes, flowers, fruits, and interior scenes. His work reveals influences of Impressionism and Fauvism, enriching his vibrant artistic style.

Van de Fackere studied at the Bruges Academy of Fine Arts, where he was mentored by the esteemed artists Pierre Raoux (1845–1917) and Edmond Van Hove (1851–1913). He later settled in Assebroek, where he built a spacious garden studio to nurture his artistic endeavors. His travels to the Netherlands and France also left their mark on his creative journey.

In 1904, he became a teacher at the Bruges Academy, and by 1918, he had founded a daytime course program for young women, inspiring and training many to become accomplished artists. His artistic legacy includes an impressive array of portraits, including notable works such as those of writers Stijn Streuvels (1871–1969) and Hugo Verriest (1840–1922), as well as numerous portraits of children. From the 1920s onward, his focus shifted to masterful depictions of flowers and fruits.

Van de Fackere’s talent in pastel was particularly remarkable, as seen in works like the 1906 Portrait of Julius Sabbe, displayed in Bruges Town Hall and donated to the city in 1910. His participation in the annual exhibitions of the Cercle Artistique Brugeois from 1904 to 1926 cemented his place in the Bruges art scene. Among his many exhibitions, the 1923 showcase at the Gallery “San Salvador” stands out, featuring captivating flower arrangements and portraits, mostly rendered in pastel.

His works are part of prestigious collections today. The Bruges Groeningemuseum holds pieces such as Portrait of Julius Sabbe, Peonies, and The Old Furniture. Other notable works include Woman with Basket and Eel Fisherman in the Mu.ZEE in Ostend.

Van de Fackere passed away on October 13, 1946, in de Wollestraat in his beloved Bruges. His artistic contributions, marked by exceptional skill and heartfelt emotion, ensure his enduring place in the gallery of Bruges’ most celebrated artists.