The air here is filled with the faint scent of cherry blossoms. These trees adorn Place Jean-Baptiste Degrooff. This square in Brussels is named after Jean-Baptiste Degrooff. He was a Belgian painter.
Place Jean-Baptiste Degrooff is located in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. It sits between numbers 303 and 299 of Avenue Georges Henri. The square faces the Institut des Sourds et Muets. This institute for the deaf and mute is at number 278 on Avenue Georges Henri.
The Place Jean-Baptiste Degrooff forms a semi-circle. Its design offers a peaceful respite from the busy avenue. Rue Abbé de L’Épée joins Avenue Georges Henri at this point. This adds to the square’s accessibility.
Buildings on Place Jean-Baptiste Degrooff are numbered 3 to 9. The numbering runs continuously. Buildings at the corners of Avenue Georges Henri and the square use Avenue Georges Henri numbers.
Number 7 once housed the Cinema Wolu. Today, it is The Funny Club a recreational park. Number 9 is home to an antique shop and art gallery called Gerard Gallery. At number 3, you’ll find Home & Passion a decoration shop.
Buses 27, 28, and 80 stop at the Degrooff stop. This makes Place Jean-Baptiste Degrooff easily accessible.
Jean-Baptiste Degreef was born in Brussels on December 15, 1852. He died in Auderghem on December 19, 1894. Degreef began as a painter-decorator. He studied at L’Effort. He also studied with Joseph van Severdonck and Paul Lauters. They were at the Académie de Bruxelles. He befriended Guillaume Vogels.
Degreef’s art shows the influence of Impressionism. He spent time in the Netherlands. He focused on the subtle fleeting aspects of light. His touch was frank and spontaneous.
In the 1870s, Degreef discovered Rouge-Cloître. He was with his elder brother Hippolyte Boulenger. Boulenger founded the Tervueren School. Degreef moved there in 1883. He spent the last eleven years of his life there. His talent was highly prized.
Degreef’s temperament and canvases influenced young artists. These included Alfred Bastien and Joseph François De Coene. He immersed himself in the tranquility of Rouge-Cloître. He created Belgian native impressionism. He died at the former Rouge-Cloître Abbey. The building now houses the Art Center.
So, as you stand here take a moment to appreciate Place Jean-Baptiste Degrooff. It is a small haven honoring a talented artist. It is a place where art and tranquility meet in the heart of Brussels.