1792–1884
Louis Ricquier was a Belgian painter renowned for his historical, religious, genre scenes, and portraits. Born in Antwerp, he studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts under Mathieu-Ignace Van Brée, earning top honors in classical and life drawing.
In 1812, Ricquier moved to Paris, where he connected with Philippe-Jacques Van Brée, his mentor’s brother. That same year, he exhibited “Androcles Removing the Thorn from the Lion’s Paw” at the Antwerp Salon.
Between 1816 and 1819, Ricquier traveled to Italy, visiting Naples and Florence, which profoundly influenced his artistic style. Upon returning to Antwerp in 1820, he created several notable portraits, including that of Madame Weerbrouck and her child.
In 1824, he married Marie-Catherine-Thérèse Van Brée, sister of his mentors, and settled permanently in Paris. There, he established a studio, mentoring numerous students. Ricquier continued to exhibit his works, with notable showings at the Paris Salons of 1822, 1833, and 1849, and the Brussels Salons of 1830 and 1833.
His oeuvre includes works like “Quentin Durward and Louis XI” (1837) and “A Royal Meeting,” which fetched €9,600 at Christie’s Amsterdam in 2007.
Ricquier passed away in Paris on April 18, 1884, and is interred at Montmartre Cemetery.
