Reinhoud d'Haese

original lithograph

1967

Reinhoud d'Haese (1928–2007), known mononymously as Reinhoud, was a Belgian sculptor celebrated for his surrealistic and avant-garde sculptures. Born on October 21, 1928, in Geraardsbergen, Belgium, he initially trained as a goldsmith at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels. His artistic journey took a pivotal turn when he joined the CoBrA group in 1949, introduced by Pierre Alechinsky. Reinhoud's oeuvre is distinguished by its grotesque and whimsical figures, often crafted from metals such as copper, lead, and pewter. His creations, reminiscent of the works of Hieronymus Bosch and Brueghel, feature fantastical beings that blur the line between the real and the imaginary. Critics have noted that his work evokes a sense of Halloween-like eeriness. Reinhoud's artistic legacy is further enriched by his familial connections; he was the brother of sculptors Roel and Begga d'Haese. He passed away on July 1, 2007, in Vieux-Moulin, France, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of surrealist sculpture. Throughout his career, Reinhoud received several accolades, including the Prize for Young Belgian Sculpture in 1957 and the Eugène Baie Award in 1969. His works have been exhibited internationally, with pieces held in prestigious collections and museums. Notably, his sculptures have been featured in venues such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Cobra Museum in Amstelveen, Netherlands.