Artist Profile

Peter Engels | Belgium

Artist Profile

Peter Engels | Belgium

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Peter Engels is an internationally recognized contemporary artist, best known for his celebrated Vintage Portraits. Distinguished by his masterful use of the palette knife and a signature sepia-toned palette, Engels creates iconic celebrity portraits that are both innovative and unmistakably his own. 

Art is first and foremost acquired for its emotional resonance; however, collectability and long-term value remain essential considerations for discerning collectors. The work of Peter Engels embodies both. His career reached global prominence with his monumental portrait of Nelson Mandela, unveiled on the world's largest billboard in Times Square, New York, in celebration of Mandela's 90th birthday. International media acclaim followed, with critics noting that Engels had succeeded in capturing not merely Mandela's likeness, but his spirit—an achievement that firmly established the artist on the international stage. 

Further cementing his reputation, Prince Albert of Monaco acquired Engels' portrait of his mother, Princess Grace Kelly, marking a significant milestone in the artist's ascending career. Since then, Engels has exhibited worldwide, with works held across every continent. Renowned public figures actively commission him, and his portraits continue to receive widespread recognition and praise. 

Despite encountering profound personal and professional challenges, Engels has remained unwavering in his commitment to his practice. He continues to produce exceptional portraits characterized by emotional depth, technical precision, and a restrained chromatic language. His mastery of the palette knife—particularly within the demanding discipline of portraiture—sets him apart as one of the foremost practitioners of this technique today. 

For these reasons, original works by Peter Engels represent a compelling addition to any serious art collection. Following extensive international exhibitions, Engels will now be represented by Contemporary Art Gallery for the first time, inaugurating this collaboration with his debut presentation at Art Palm Beach and the Modern and Contemporary Fair this winter. 

 

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