22 - Adrien Dekeyser (1914–1950)

Adrien Dekeyser (1914–1950) The Harlequin Circa 1940 Oil on canvas 68 x 40 cm The Harlequin is a work created around 1940 by the Belgian painter Adrien Dekeyser. This work, which still bears the influence of his teacher Anto Carte, embodies Adrien Dekeyser’s characteristic style: a harmony of soft colors and a dreamlike atmosphere. Adrien Dekeyser was born in Belgium in 1914. His father worked as a dermatologist at a hospital. As part of his work, his father maintained a collection of wax casts of hands and faces illustrating the diseases he studied. These objects inspired the work of his son, Adrien Dekeyser, from a very young age. Adrien Dekeyser began by painting landscapes and portraits. He enrolled at the Brussels Academy in 1934, where he chose the monumental painting studio under the guidance of his professor, Anto Carte. Between 1937 and 1946, Adrien Dekeyser devoted part of his time to creating costumes and theater sets, notably for the Théâtre Le Mouffetard. In addition to his work in theater, he also distinguished himself in various artistic fields. He excelled in the art of enamel decoration, illustration, poetry, engraving, and painting, which he executed on canvas, paper, fresco, or glass. This Harlequin with a Bird is a particularly striking and poetic example typical of his work from the 1940s. We thank Ms. Nicole Bonew for confirming the authenticity of this work.