Charles Joseph Watelet

CHARLES JOSEPH WATELET (Beauraing, 1867 - Brussels, 1954).
"Girl with doll", first half of the twentieth century.
Oil on canvas.
Signed in the lower left corner.
Measurements: 116 x 89 cm.

The Belgian painter Charles Joseph Watelet stood out for his portraits, genre scenes and nudes, dedicated mainly to the female figure, his true source of inspiration. His compositions convey sensuality and refinement, reflecting both the splendor of social life and the intimate atmosphere of the sophisticated interiors of the Belle Époque. He also produced posters for the theater.

After a brief period at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Watelet returned to Marcinelle. There he practiced as a portrait painter for a decade, working for prominent local personalities. In 1901 he settled in Uccle and, the following year, presented his work at the Royal Artistic and Literary Circle of Brussels. Although he continued to paint portraits, he devoted himself mainly to scenes of women at balls, theaters, salons, restaurants and church interiors. His works enjoyed notable success in the Parisian salons.