Hubert Henri De Vries (1899-1979) Flemish Visionary in Paint

Early Life and Family

Born in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1899, Hubert Henri De Vries came of age during a period of profound cultural and political transformation. His formative years were shaped by the upheaval of World War I, during which he and his family relocated temporarily to Calais, France. This displacement, though challenging, exposed him to a broader European artistic milieu and likely deepened his sensitivity to themes of place, memory, and identity—elements that would later permeate his work.

Though details of his personal family life remain relatively private, De Vries is known to have maintained strong ties to his native Antwerp throughout his life, where he eventually passed away in 1979.

Artistic Training and Influences

De Vries received formal training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, studying under Isidore Opsomer and Julien Creytens, both prominent figures in Belgian art education. His early works reflected a traditional academic style, but his artistic trajectory shifted dramatically upon encountering the Flemish Expressionists, particularly Gustave De Smet, Constant Permeke, and Albert Servaes.

He also held deep admiration for Jakob Smits, whose mystical use of light and textured paint application left a lasting impression on De Vries. These influences steered him toward a more expressive, emotionally resonant style, characterized by thick impasto, earthy palettes, and a poetic rendering of everyday life.

Themes and Style

De Vries’s oeuvre spans a wide array of subjects, including:

• Marines and harbors: evocative seascapes and port scenes, often imbued with a sense of solitude.

• Figures and portraits: capturing the quiet dignity of rural and working-class individuals.

• Clowns and circus scenes: reflecting both whimsy and melancholy.

• Religious subjects: rendered with a contemplative, almost mystical tone.

His brushwork was often described as “lumpy” or “sculptural,” lending a tactile quality to his canvases. Light played a central role in his compositions, echoing the spiritual undertones found in Smits’ work.

Circle of Peers and Artistic Community

De Vries was part of a vibrant artistic circle that included many of the leading Flemish modernists. His interactions with Permeke, De Smet, and Servaes were not merely inspirational but also collaborative, as they shared exhibitions and artistic dialogues that helped define the Flemish Expressionist movement.

Though not as internationally renowned as some of his peers, De Vries was respected within Belgian artistic circles and maintained a quiet but influential presence in the community.

Legacy and Influence

While Hubert Henri De Vries may not be a household name, his work has been consistently appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs. His paintings have appeared at major auction houses, including Christie’s Amsterdam, and are held in notable collections such as:

• The Belgian State

• The Royal Collection of King Albert

• The Museum of the University of Jerusalem

His contribution lies in his ability to bridge tradition and modernity, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant vision of Flemish life. His art continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth, technical mastery, and cultural authenticity.

The lumpy paint paste and the mystical light which reflects in some works is reminiscent of Jakob Smits.

Sources: www.belgian-art-gallery.be; www.gallerease.com; various webpages and articles