BAES Firmin
CURIOUS
Pastel: 98 x 134 cms / 38.6 x 52.7 in
Signed lower right; titled and signed: "La curieuse - Firmin Baes" on the back
Painter of portraits, figures, landscapes, genre scenes and still lifes with flowers.
Firmin Baes was the son of the decorator Henri Baes. He was a pupil of his father, of Léon Frédéric at the Brussels Fine Arts Academy and at the free Academy “La Patte de Dindon” (1894-1900). He made his debut around 1900 as a painter of figures and landscapes. He worked in Luxemburg, in Zeeland and at the Belgian coast, where he had a preference for Knokke. His early works show the influence of his master, Léon Frédéric, but pretty soon he moved to a clearer and velvety line. He confirmed himself as a painter of realistic figures and he made a delicate use of light and shadow.
Baes achieved to put a timeless soul, apart from any fashion, in his paintings by emphasing the concentration and inner life of his characters. He was a master of the pastel technique and took part in several exhibitions.
Period:
Saint-Josse-ten-Noode (Brussels) 1874 - Brussels 1943
Belgian School
Exhibitions:
Antwerp - Brussels - Charleroi - Ixelles - Ostend - Ypres
Literature:
P. & V. Berko, "Dictionary of Flower Painters; Belgian and Dutch Artists born between 1750 and 1880", Knokke 1995, p. 110.
G. Naegels-Delfosse, "Firmin Baes", Brussels 1987.
