The Life and Art of Maurice Sys
Born in Ghent, Belgium, Maurice Sys was a painter, pastellist, and watercolorist. He received his formal training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent and later spent four years studying at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Antwerp. His artistic journey saw him residing in Laethem-Saint-Martin between 1907 and 1923, and he was considered a member of the second group of the School of Laethem-Saint-Martin. During the First World War, he sought refuge in the Netherlands before returning to settle in Ghent in 1923.
His diverse body of work encompasses landscapes, seascapes, interior scenes, portraits, nudes, and still lifes. He was particularly drawn to the views of rivers, the banks of the Lys, the picturesque towns of Holland, ports, and the lives of fishermen. Often working from a boat converted into a studio, he navigated Flemish rivers toward France and the Netherlands to capture marine views. His technique evolved from using large brushstrokes until approximately 1920 toward a style where impressionism informed the light, atmosphere, and vivid colors of his compositions.
Exhibitions and Collections
Maurice Sys's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the 1905 Universal Exhibition in Liège, where his painting La Maison du passeur was acquired by the French government. His pieces have been showcased in various salons in Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège, as well as in several art galleries. His artistic output includes notable works such as:
His paintings are preserved in several museum collections, including the following:
Questions & Answers
How many artworks by Maurice Sys are available to browse?
You can browse 1 artwork by Maurice Sys on the All Artworks page.
Can I explore Maurice Sys's works by keyword?
To find works by Maurice Sys on a specific theme, use the artist's By Keywords page, which groups the artworks by keyword.
In which historical period did Maurice Sys work?
Maurice Sys worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
