Léon de Smet
- Born:
- 20 January 1881, Ghent, Belgium
- Died:
- 31 August 1966, Deurle, Belgium
- Nationality:
- Belgian
- Profession(s):
- Painter
Early Life and Education
- Léon de Smet, part of what would become a compelling Léon de Smet biography, was born in Ghent, Belgium.
- Began his artistic studies at the Academy of Ghent.
- Influenced by the Luminist movement.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a prominent figure in Belgian Luminism and later, Expressionism.
- Exhibited extensively throughout Europe.
- Known for his landscapes, portraits, and genre scenes.
- Co-founded the artist group "Vie et Lumière" in 1904.
- His work evolved from Luminism to a more personal Expressionist style.
Notable Works
- The Terrace at Laethem (1907)
- The Potato Harvest (1909)
- Numerous portraits of his family and contemporaries.
- Landscapes of the Leie region.
Legacy and Impact
Léon de Smet left behind a significant body of work that reflects the transition from Luminism to Expressionism in Belgian art. He is remembered as a master of light and color, and his paintings capture the beauty of the Belgian landscape and the spirit of his time.