Guillaume Corneils Corneille

Corneille (born Guillaume Cornelis Beverloo, 1922–2010) was a renowned Dutch painter and sculptor, best known for his role in the CoBrA movement, an avant-garde collective formed in 1948. Born in Liège, Belgium, Corneille grew up in a diverse and creative environment, which greatly influenced his bold artistic style. He moved to Amsterdam in 1949, where he became a leading figure in the CoBrA group, alongside artists like Karel Appel and Pierre Alechinsky.

The CoBrA movement, named after the cities of Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam, sought to break away from traditional artistic norms by embracing spontaneity, childlike imagery, and raw emotion. Corneille’s work, filled with vibrant colors, organic shapes, and expressive lines, was deeply influenced by these ideals. His subjects often included abstract representations of nature, animals, and the human figure, with an emphasis on freedom and imagination.

In addition to painting, Corneille explored ceramics and sculpture, continuing to evolve his artistic practice throughout his life. His work gained international recognition, and he exhibited widely in Europe and the United States. His influence extended beyond CoBrA, as he became a key figure in the development of postwar European abstraction.

Corneille’s art remains celebrated for its dynamic use of color and its celebration of creative freedom. He passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists worldwide.