He was initially trained in the Academic style; first by Hippolyte de la Charlerie in Brussels, then by Louis Dubois, Guillaume Van der Hecht, and François-Joseph Navez.

In 1863, together with Louis Artan, he explored the wooded areas around Brussels and came into contact with artists painting en plein aire.

From 1865 to 1868, he lived in Kalmthout and focused on painting the typically desolate landscapes found in the Campine region.

He also spent some time working in Hoeilaart and Auderghem, painting the old ponds in the vicinity of the Red Cloister.

Streets have been named after him in Auderghem and Namur where a monument, created by Charles van der Stappen, has been erected.