He was trained by his father, a statuary, and began by exhibiting his Fra Angelico da Fiesole at the Ghent Salon in 1868.

[2][3] Among his contemporaries, Vigne, a classic sculptor, has the purest style, and the most anxious desire for harmonious perfection.

He was employed by the government to execute caryatides for the ornate facade of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels.

His monument to the popular heroes, Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, was unveiled at Bruges in 1887.

[4] At his death he left unfinished his principal work, the Anspach monument, which was erected at Brussels under the direction of the architect Janlet with the co-operation of various sculptors.