Terrace View dei Cappuccini, Convento di Amalfi

Charles Verbrugghe was born into Belgian aristocracy on June 15, 1877, in Bruges. He was an Impressionist painter renowned for his vibrant depictions of town views, landscapes, seascapes, beaches, still lifes, floral compositions, and portraits. He became especially well known for his evocative paintings of convents and city scenes in both Bruges and Paris.

In 1907, Verbrugghe moved to Paris to study under the esteemed master Flori Van Acker (1858–1940). While in Paris, he befriended prominent artists such as Maurice Utrillo (1883–1955) and Kees Van Dongen (1877–1968). He lived in Montmartre near the Place du Tertre, where he painted the picturesque corners of Paris. At the famed meeting place “Au Lapin Agile,” he frequently encountered artists including Degas, Renoir, and Monet.

Despite his time in Paris, Verbrugghe remained deeply attached to Bruges, a city he knew intimately. He returned annually, staying either at the Hôtel Memling or the Pension Notre-Dame. In Bruges, he earned the affectionate nickname “De Brugse Parisien” (“The Parisian from Bruges”). In 1968, a major retrospective of his work was held at the Galerie Brugeoise in Bruges, featuring around one hundred pieces.

Verbrugghe was a self-taught artist who developed a remarkable career. Initially focusing on landscapes, he later embraced French Impressionism, a style he remained faithful to despite the shifting currents of the Parisian art world. Over time, his palette evolved from darker tones to luminous, radiant colors. His works are characterized by their brilliant hues and a masterful treatment of light.

Charles Verbrugghe passed away on October 1, 1974, in Paris, at the home of his son in Garges-lès-Gonesse near Le Bourget. Today, his paintings are held in private collections across the globe and can also be found in the Bruges Museum.

Literature:

• Michiels, De Brugse School, Uitgaven West-Vlaamse Gidsenkring vzw, Bruges, 1989, pp. 115–116.

• G. Pas, Biografisch Lexicon Plastische Kunst in België, Arto 2000, p. 536.

• Piron, De Belgische Beeldende Kunstenaars uit de 19de en 20ste eeuw, Uitgeverij Art in Belgium, p. 1500.