Edmond Dutry

About the Portrait

This striking oil portrait on canvas, mounted on wood, by the distinguished Belgian painter Edmond Dutry (1897-1959) captures the intense gaze of a gentleman. Painted around 1950 in bold, expressive brushstrokes, the artist blends warm flesh tones with cool blue and green shadows, creating depth and psychological intensity. The subject's serious expression and direct look toward the viewer give this work a timeless character, while the textured background enhances its modern, post-impressionist feel.

Presented in an ornate gilded frame with decorative reliefs, this unsigned painting combines classical elegance with modern artistry. What makes this piece exceptionally noteworthy is the portrait sketch on the reverse side—a fascinating glimpse into the artist's creative process and working method. This double-sided aspect provides unique insight into Dutry's approach to portraiture.

About the Artist

Edmond Dutry (1897-1959) was born on August 30, 1897, in Kalken, Belgium, into an artistic family. His father Albert was a lawyer and painter, while his mother Marie Odile Dutry-Tibbaut was celebrated for her watercolors and pastels. This creative environment shaped Dutry's artistic sensibility from an early age.

Following World War I, Dutry fully embraced his artistic calling and established a studio on the Recolettenlei in Ghent. He built his reputation through regular exhibitions at the prestigious Ghent Salon, where his work consistently attracted attention from critics and collectors throughout the interwar period and beyond.

Dutry's artistic range was diverse, encompassing evocative cityscapes of Ghent, still lifes, and figure studies. However, he distinguished himself primarily as a portrait painter, known for his deeply expressive approach that sought to capture the psychological essence of his subjects rather than mere physical likeness. His portraits pushed the boundaries of character study, revealing both technical mastery and emotional depth through bold brushwork and sophisticated color harmonies.

Edmond Dutry passed away in Ghent on February 8, 1959, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to resonate with collectors and art enthusiasts. His paintings remain valued for their ability to combine sophisticated technique with profound psychological insight, securing his place as an important figure in 20th-century Belgian art.

Technical Details

Artist: Edmond Dutry (1897-1959)
Unsigned
Date: c.1950
Medium: Oil on canvas, mounted on wood
Condition: Very good condition
Dimensions: 60.5 x 51 cm / 23¾ x 20 in
Frame: 79 x 68 cm / 31 x 26¾ in, ornate gilded wood with decorative reliefs, very good condition
Special feature: Portrait sketch on reverse side
Provenance: Germany

A powerful example of Belgian post-impressionist portraiture with rare double-sided composition.