BASTIEN, ALFRED THÉODORE JOSEPH

(1873-1955)

Alfred Bastien was born into a modest family inIxelleson 16 September 1873. He studied art at theAcadémie royale des Beaux-Artsand later, duringWorld War I, served in the Belgian army. In April 1920, he established a studio in what is now the mosque of theCinquantenaireand there he completed a gigantic canvas entitledPanorama de la bataille de l'Yser(Panorama of the battle of the Yser), with others collaborating. He served as a professor ofpaintingat the academy from 1927 to 1945 and thrice held the post of director. He also completed dioramas and decorative paintings for the Brussels pavilion at theWorld's Fair of 1935. A traditional artist who produced portraits, landscapes, and still lifes, Bastien utilized an abundance of color in giving expression to his love of nature. He died inUccleon 7 June 1955.