A STORY THAT BEGINS WITH A CHANCE
Long before the Godecharle Prize existed, there was a young artist with ambition. A lot of ambition. But few means.
From Brussels to Europe
Gilles-Lambert Godecharle was born in 1750 into a family of composers, singers and musicians. He discovered his own talent almost by chance when, as a young man, he modeled a particularly expressive figure from a block of clay.
It became the beginning of an exceptional career.
He joined the studio of sculptor Laurent Delvaux and soon realized that talent alone is not enough. To grow, he had to see the world. Meet other artists. Study great works of art. Cross borders.
But that requires money. And he did not have it.
Until his talent was noticed by Charles of Lorraine, governor of the Austrian Netherlands. Thanks to his support, Gilles-Lambert got the opportunity to travel to Paris and Rome and develop further.
That chance changed everything.
He studied the art of antiquity and the Renaissance, traveled through Europe, won an important prize for sculpture, and was even invited to Potsdam by King Frederick II.
After London, he returned to Belgium, where he became a teacher and later director of the Brussels Academy.
His work received a prominent place in the Belgian streetscape. For example, he created the pediment and the series Months of the Palace of Laeken, and the pediment of the Palace of the Nation.
One chance gave a young artist the space to grow into a name of significance.
And that exact story would later inspire his son.
FROM ONE CHANCE TO THOUSANDS OF POSSIBILITIES
Napoléon Godecharle is born on April 18, 1803 in Brussels.
Unlike his father, he does not choose an artistic career. He becomes a lawyer and leads a discreet and modest life, surrounded by artists, lawyers, and magistrates.
By living frugally and investing his income wisely, he builds up a considerable fortune over the years. But Napoléon never forgets his father's story.
He knows how much talent can mean. But above all, he knows how much difference the right support at the right time can make.
That is why he makes a special decision.
He wants to use his fortune to give young, exceptionally talented Belgian artists the opportunities his father once had.
Not just by supporting them financially, but by literally sending them out into the world.
His wish is that, thanks to a scholarship, young artists can perfect their artistic education, travel, establish international contacts, and meet people who challenge and strengthen their artistic personality.
His ultimate ambition goes even further: to help young talent grow and thereby contribute to Belgium's artistic prestige.
Napoléon Godecharle passes away on April 17, 1875, at his residence at Martelarenplein 14 in Brussels. As he had requested, he is buried with utmost discretion. But his idea lives on.
A legacy that keeps moving
From his estate, the Godecharle Fund is created, and a few years later, the competition that will offer opportunities to generations of young Belgian artists.
In 1981, the Godecharle competition celebrates its centenary.
More than a century after the first competition, the original idea remains surprisingly relevant:
talent deserves more than recognition.
Talent deserves opportunities.
Opportunities to grow.
To push boundaries.
To be seen.
To meet new people and ideas.
And to find one's own artistic path.
That was the conviction of Napoléon Godecharle.
And that is still what Godecharle stands for.
Partners
FAQ
Belgian and EU nationals under 35 years old in architecture, painting, and visual arts.
Three laureates each receive €14,000.
Registration is possible until March 13, 2027.
Architecture, painting and visual arts.