Background
His father, Barthélemy, was a sculptor and his older brother, Eugène, was an animal painter, both of whom provided his first artistic training.
His father, Barthélemy, was a sculptor and his older brother, Eugène, was an animal painter, both of whom provided his first artistic training.
His first names are often given as Louis-Charles. In 1815, the family moved to Ghent, where he developed an interest in marine painting and came under the influence of Frans Balthasar Solvyns. His work enjoyed immediate popularity.
In 1830, however, he turned from painting, becoming involved in the political events that led to the independence of Belgium.
He and Eugène both joined the "Korps Jagers van Chasteler" (named after Johann Gabriel Chasteler de Courcelles) and participated in several military actions during the Revolution. Afterward, his life was essentially a round of exhibitions, including the "Triennial Salons" of Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp and smaller salons in the provinces.
Punctuated by frequent trips to the coasts of the Netherlands, France and England. By 1837, he appears to have been living in Antwerp.
Later, he concentrated on selling his paintings abroad.
After 1842, he used brighter colors and his style became more realistic.
Toward the end of his career, he was appointed a member of the Rijksakademie.