Saint Walburga’s Church

Vigor Boucquet (1619-1677)

They Cleaned Their Souls in the Blood of Christ
Sint-Walburgakerk

Sint-Walburgastraat, Veurne

You may never have heard of Vigor Bouquet, a painter who lived and worked in Veurne all his life. It is quite obvious, therefore, to find his work in the Saint Walburga’s Church. But make no mistake, his oeuvre can also be seen in the most prominent museums in the world, including the Louvre in Paris.

Christus wast met zijn bloed de zielen uit het vagevuur vrij van Vigor Bouquet

Saint Walburga’s Church

You may never have heard of Vigor Bouquet, a painter who lived and worked in Veurne all his life. It is quite obvious, therefore, to find his work in the Sint-Walburgakerk. But make no mistake, his oeuvre can also be seen in the most prominent museums in the world, including the Louvre in Paris.

They Cleaned Their Souls in the Blood of Christ

This canvas (circa 1663) was intended for the altar of the Brotherhood of Faithful Souls, which had recently been founded by Pastor Jacob de Wieu. Members prayed to ask for God's mercy for souls in purgatory. The rather bloody scene shows Christ standing on a fountain in purgatory. In the foreground, two angels are lifting two female figures out of the fire. The canvas was restored in 1905 at the behest of the de Wieu family. The Veurne painter Vigor Boucquet was known as a portraitist and his work is on display in a number of churches in West Flanders.

Practical information

Address

Sint-Walburgastraat
8630 Veurne
Belgium
View directions

Opening hours

  • From November 8 to March 31, open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Open from Monday to Sunday from April 1 to November 7.
  • Always open during celebrations.

Accessibility

  • Easy access for people with disabilities.

Good to know

  • Admission: free

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Paul Delvaux’s oeuvre is noted for its mysterious, dreamlike scenes. Visit the museum and look for the painting of La Gare forestière.
Museumhuis Lucien De Gheus
Discover the artistic soul of Lucien De Gheus at the Museum House in Poperinge, which provides a fine example of the artist's oeuvre.