He was born on January 19 in Louvain. His family was incomplete. He never knew his father.
1867 - 1953
Jean Delville
description
A representative of classic Belgian Symbolism in painting and literature, a famous occultist and mystic, Jean Delville was in the very center of the cultural life of Belgium, both of the end of the 19th and 20th century. His work in the field of art was an integral part of the Belgian idealistic movement of the 1890s and formed the world view of many young talents. He headed the Brussels branch of the Rosicrucian revival and organized the “Salon of Idealistic Art” as an imitation of the Paris Salons of Peladan “The Rose and the Cross”. This salon was visited by the most eminent artists and writers of Brussels.
Key ideas:
– The artist’s work is both religious and mystical. It has deep philosophical undertones and derives from the art of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages.
– As a participant and organizer of several occult organizations, in his canvases, Jean Delville expressed the ideas of the highest divine principle and the power of otherworldly forces over the fate of a human being. He considered his mission to transfer the Divine Mystery to the world through art and poetry.
– Delville’s canvases are monumental. Usually large-sized multi-figured compositions are solemn and sublime. Looking at them, the viewer finds himself in a completely different world, where there is no vanity and petty cares, but only contemplation and understanding of the true essence of the Universe. The basis of the paintings is always a perfect drawing and a well-constructed composition.
– The plots of paintings are full of meaningful hints, allegories and symbols. The artist believed that art is an expression of the highest spiritual truth and that it should be based on the principle of Perfection or spiritual Beauty. These highest foundations of existence were the only significant ones, while materialism was a trap and the physical body was a cage for a soul.
– Delville himself never deciphered the meaning of his canvases. This is why many of his works remain the subject of controversy among art historians and an attractive mystery for the viewer.
1867
1883
1887
1888
1892
1895
1900
1914
1920
1953
The birth of the artist
Delville entered the class of famous artist Jean-Francois Portels
Delville entered the class of famous artist Jean-Francois Portels, where he became the best student. The artist won many awards during his studies at the Academy.
He exhibited his works in a realistic style at the L'Essor exhibition
For the first time, he exhibited his works in a realistic style at the L’Essor exhibition. These paintings were noted by critics, although they were immature.
He met famous occultist Josephin Peladan
In Paris, he met famous occultist Josephin Peladan and became his follower.
"Salon of Idealistic Art"
Organized the art group “Salon of Idealistic Art”, the example for which was Peladan’s «Rose and Cross» society in Paris.
Went to Rome and Venice
Took part in an art competition, the main prize of which was a working trip to Italy. Delville won the competition and went to Rome and Venice, where he improved his artistic skills.
The artist started to work as a teacher at the School of Art in Glasgow
The artist started to work as a teacher at the School of Art in Glasgow; in 1907, he became a professor at the Brussels Academy.
He moved to London
During the First World War, he moved to London, where he held social activities. The artist supported the refugees and organized various events to help the front-line soldiers.
Jean Delville became a successful artist and teacher
Jean Delville became a successful artist and teacher. He created two large public projects at the Palace of Justice and the Park of the Fiftieth Anniversary. He was elected a member of the prestigious Royal Academy of Sciences.
Jean Delville died
Jean Delville died on January 19, 1953, on the day of his 86th birthday.