Valerius de Saedeleer: A Pioneer of Symbolist Landscape Painting Valerius de Saedeleer (1867-1941) stands as a pivotal figure in Belgian art history, particularly recognized for his contribution to the First School of Latem—a movement that irrevocably altered the trajectory of modernist painting within Belgium during its formative years. Born in Aalst, Belgium, into a modest family involved in soda and soap manufacturing, De Saedeleer’s early life was marked by familial discord and academic struggles, ultimately prompting him to abandon formal schooling at fifteen due to his father's insiste…