Nomads In The Sandstorm By Jules Van Biesbroeck

He produced paintings during his Orientalist period in the Maghreb (between 1927 and 1935). His first painting, *Le Pâtre* (The Shepherd), was sold at the Ghent Triennial. In 1888, at the age of 15, he made his debut at the Salon des Champs-Élysées in Paris with the work *Le Lancement d'Argo* (The Launching of the Argo). Measuring 7.5 by 2.6 meters, the canvas caused a stir due to the nudity of its figures. The young artist astonished the public with his youth and received a "special mention"; however, to allow the painting to be exhibited, the figures had to be "clothed" with drapery[1]. In 1895, he began to devote himself to sculpture and received commissions for works such as a monument to François Laurent for a square in Ghent and another honoring Jean Volders[2]. In 1897, he placed second for the Belgian Prix de Rome in sculpture (behind Henri Boncquet); he also took second place in the painting category. One of his paintings, *La Deposizione* (The Deposition), can be seen in Italy at the Church of the Immaculate Conception (or Church of the Holy Land) in Bordighera. In 1926, he traveled to North Africa—specifically Algeria—an experience that deeply influenced him. The light and atmosphere of the Maghreb prompted him to use lighter colors and explore Orientalist themes. The city of Algiers had such a profound impact on him that he decided to remain there for nine years, until 1938.