“Who was Jules Du Jardin?” I hear you ask. Avenue Jules Du Jardin is named after him. Let’s discover the story behind this Brussels avenue and the artist it commemorates.
Jules Du Jardin was born in Brussels in 1863. He died in Paris around 1910. He was a painter, designer, lithographer, and art critic. Du Jardin was a man of diverse talents.
He studied law at the Free University of Brussels. But his passion lay in the arts. In 1885, he founded the Voorwaarts circle in Antwerp. He began exhibiting in 1896 at the Salons de l’Art Idéaliste in Brussels.
Du Jardin’s artistic preferences leaned towards portraits. His work gained recognition. He participated in the Exposition Universelle et Internationale de Bruxelles in 1910. This further cemented his place in the art world.
Beyond his art, Jules Du Jardin was a prolific writer. He authored “L’Art flamand” in six volumes between 1896 and 1900. He also wrote “A Propos d’Art” in 1892 and “Hans Memling” in 1897. Additionally, he contributed to several art periodicals.
As we stand here on Avenue Jules Du Jardin, consider his artistic spirit. Imagine Jules Du Jardin walking these very streets. He observed the city. He captured its essence in his art.
If you fancy a meal after our tour, consider Le Mucha. This restaurant is located at Avenue Jules Du Jardin 23. It offers classic Belgian and French cuisine. Its interior evokes the Parisian brasseries of the 1900s. Le Mucha’s generous ethos shines through subtle details. Think fresh fries and unusual béarnaise sauce. They even serve nostalgic dishes. These include veal brains and île flottante. Jazz nights enhance the dining experience.
Getting here is easy by public transport. Several bus lines serve Avenue Jules Du Jardin. These include lines 36, T44, 546, 547, and 555. The closest bus stop is Rue Au Bois / Bosstraa. It is just a two-minute walk away.
Subway line 1 and light rail line 39 also provide access. The nearest light rail station is Rue Au Bois. It’s a three-minute walk from here.
Avenue Jules Du Jardin serves as a reminder of a multifaceted artist. He contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Brussels. His legacy lives on. It lives on not only through his art. It also lives on through this very avenue.