Fernand Khnopff

Fernand Edmond Jean Marie Khnopff (12 September 1858 in Grembergen near Dendermonde, Belgium – 12 November 1921 in Brussels) was a Belgian symbolist painter. Fernand Khnopff was born to a wealthy family that was part of the high bourgeoisie for generations. Khnopff's ancestors had lived in Flanders since the early 17th century but were of Austrian and Portuguese descent. Most male members of his family had been lawyers or judges, and young Fernand was destined for a juridical career. In his early childhood (1859–1864) he lived in Bruges where his father was appointed Substitut Du Procureur Du Roi. His childhood memories of the medieval city of Bruges would play a significant role in his later work. In 1864 the family moved to...