Florent Willems (1823-1905) did not receive an art education. He developed his painting skills by copying and restoring old paintings in the city of Malines, where he lived from 1832. He also attended lectures at the local academy. To secure funds for further education, he worked as a restorer in a Brussels gallery. He studied the technique of Dutch artists of the 17th century.

In 1842, when he was 19, he first presented his works at the Brussels Salon. Two years later, in 1844, he moved to Paris, where his paintings became very popular. Later, he taught painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels. One of his famous students is Charles Bonnier.

Florent Willems