Biography

Charles Samuel (1862-1939)

Charles Samuel, born on December 29, 1862, in Brussels, emerged as a distinguished Belgian sculptor and medalist whose works have left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Brussels and its environs. His journey into the world of art commenced with an apprenticeship under the esteemed goldsmith Philippe Wolfers, where he honed his skills in engraving and medal-making. Further refining his craft, Samuel studied sculpture at the Brussels Academy of Fine Arts, learning from masters such as Eugène Simonis, Joseph Jaquet, and Charles van der Stappen. 

Samuel's oeuvre is characterized by a harmonious blend of technical precision and emotive expression, evident in several monumental works that adorn Brussels:​

Monument to Charles De Coster (1894): Situated near the Ixelles Ponds, this tribute to the famed Belgian writer features bronze figures of De Coster's literary creations, Tijl Uilenspiegel and Nele, accompanied by symbolic elements like a spinning wheel and an owl. The monument captures the essence of De Coster's narratives and their significance in Belgian culture. ​

La Brabançonne (1930): Erected on the Place Surlet de Chokier, this statue personifies Belgium's national anthem through the figure of a young woman passionately singing while holding a flag emblazoned with the Belgian lion. Commissioned to commemorate the centenary of Belgium's independence, the bronze statue stands as a testament to national pride and unity

The Lion: Nestled within the Botanical Garden of Brussels, this sculpture exemplifies Samuel's adeptness at capturing the majesty and strength of the animal kingdom, further showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist. 

Beyond these, Samuel's contributions include a bronze military memorial at the Ixelles Cemetery and the evocative piece, Vuakusu Batetela defends a woman from an Arab, reflecting his engagement with contemporary themes and historical narratives. ​ 

In his personal life, Samuel was first married to the French pianist Clotilde Kleeberg until her passing in 1909. He later married Canadian painter and sculptor Juliette Blum, who predeceased him in 1931. Charles Samuel's legacy endured until his death on January 31, 1938, in Cannes. His remains were interred at the Dieweg Cemetery in Uccle, where admirers can pay homage to a sculptor whose works continue to resonate within Belgium's rich artistic heritage

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