Timeline

1910

Born in Tourcoing, Northern France

1931

Begins study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lille and Paris; soon decides to distance himself from the Academy

1936

First of his numerous journeys to the Netherlands where he sees works by Rembrandt, who impresses him for fifteen years

1956

Travels to Spain, where he is much impressed by Goya, Zurbarán, Velasquez nd El Greco; travels to Florence, Arezzo and Urbino. Discovers the work of Masaccio.

1972

Travels to New York and Washington; encounters the work of Mark Rothko.

1983

First exhibition in Galerie Michael Werner, Cologne

1991

"XXI. Biennale", Sao Paulo

1997 - 1996

Retrospective, touring exhibition in France and Switzerland

2000

Dies on May 10th in Wasquehal, Nothern France