FERNAND TOUSSAINT
Belgian (1873-1956)
Fernand Toussaint, the celebrated Belgian painter of still life’s and figurative subjects, was born in Brussels in 1873. At the age of fifteen he entered the Academy of Fine Arts de Bruxelles in his native city. Here he studied under Jean Portaels, an innovative and demanding teacher who attached prime importance to the art of drawing. Thus, Toussaint received thorough formal academic training before leaving for Paris in 1891 where he completed his studies. There he met the great Alfred Stevens, who was then at the height of his artistic popularity. With Steven’s guidance, Toussaint formulated his own individual style, combining elegance and fine draftsmanship with a free impressionistic handling of paint.
He exhibited widely at the major venues in Brussels and at the Salon des Artistes Francais in Paris, where he received a medal in 1901 and a gold metal in 1929. His gold medal winning exhibit that year was featured in the influential Parisian magazine “L illustration.” In 1929, art critic Mario de Marchi wrote of Toussaint, “Toussaint is the undisputed master at capturing the grace and charm of women.”
Fernand Toussaint passed away in 1956.
Today his work is highly sought after and collected by art enthusiasts around the world.
