Red Flowers in an Oriental Interior

Willy Van Riet Willy(1882–1927) was a talented Belgian artist, born in Antwerp, who made a significant mark on the art scene of his time. He trained in his native city, attending both the prestigious Academy of Antwerp and the National Institute of Fine Arts. His artistic education was shaped by the guidance of Juliaan De Vriendt, a prominent religious and history painter who served as the Director of the Antwerp Academy and later as the President of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Belgium.

During his studies, Van Riet’s talent was recognized early on. He was awarded both the Prijs Van Lerius and the Prix Nicaise De Keyser, prestigious prizes given to outstanding students. In 1913, he achieved another honor by placing third in the renowned Prix de Rome.

Van Riet was known for his representational painting style, often working in a Realist tradition. His oeuvre included a wide range of subjects, from portraits and still life paintings to landscapes and allegorical scenes. One of his recurring themes was the female figure, which he regarded as the foundation of visual beauty. His fascination with japonisme, a trend that influenced many Western artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is evident in his still life works. Many of these paintings feature Japanese-inspired objects such as lacquer chests, painted screens, statuettes, chrysanthemums, and silk fabrics, adding an exotic and refined touch to his compositions.

During the First World War, Van Riet spent time in Holland, only returning to Antwerp at the war’s end. His career, though cut short by his untimely death in 1927, left a lasting impression on the Belgian art world of his era. His works remain a testament to his keen eye for beauty, his technical skill, and his appreciation for both tradition and cross-cultural influences.