A Soul Forged in Flanders Born into a family of retailers in Ghent, Albert Servaes began his life far from the quiet intensity of the studio, working as a traveling salesman to satisfy his family's ambitions. Yet, even amidst the commerce of daily life, the impulse to create remained. He was largely self-taught, finding moments to practice his craft after the long hours of trade were finished. In 1904, he sought a different rhythm of life in the rustic village of Sint-Martens-Latem. This move placed him among a community of artists who practiced a subtle, mystical realism, but Servaes found t…