Théophile "Theo" van Rysselberghe (1862-1926) was a distinguished Belgian painter, known for his significant contributions to the Neo-Impressionist movement. Born on November 23, 1862, in Ghent, Belgium, van Rysselberghe exhibited artistic talent from a young age, leading him to study at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Ghent and later in Brussels under the tutelage of Jean-François Portaels. Van Rysselberghe's early work was influenced by the academic tradition, but his exposure to the broader European art scene, especially through his travels to Morocco and Spain, infused his style with vibrant colors and exotic themes. In the 1880s, he became a founding member of the avant-garde group "Les XX" (Les Vingt), which was instrumental in introducing contemporary French and Belgian art to the public. Through this association, van Rysselberghe met prominent artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, who would profoundly influence his work. Embracing the Neo-Impressionist technique of pointillism, van Rysselberghe began experimenting with the meticulous application of small dots of color to create luminous and harmoniously composed scenes. His painting "The Man at the Helm" (1892) is a quintessential example of his mastery in this technique, showcasing his ability to capture light and atmosphere with extraordinary precision. In addition to his paintings, van Rysselberghe was also an accomplished portraitist and lithographer. His portraits often depicted fellow artists, intellectuals, and members of the bourgeoisie, rendered with a keen eye for detail and psychological depth. Despite the initial criticism of his pointillist approach, van Rysselberghe's work gained recognition and acclaim. His later years saw a shift towards a more fluid and less systematic application of paint, aligning more closely with the Post-Impressionist movement. He continued to exhibit widely, both in Belgium and internationally, until his death in Saint-Clair, France, on December 14, 1926. Theo van Rysselberghe's legacy endures through his vibrant depictions of modern life and his pioneering contributions to the Neo-Impressionist movement. His works are held in high regard and continue to be celebrated in major museums and collections around the world.