Henry has been very much on his own from a young age on. Critical of the social structure he couldn’t always express his way of thinking, that’s why he made drawings in which he could express his view on humanity and the world. At the age of 15 he first became acquainted with the work of Caravaggio and Raoull Hynckes.

The colouring of the work of Raoull Hynckes, as well as the emotion in the work of Michel da Caravaggio appealed to him to that extent that he decided to start working in oils as well. He mastered this technique by self-directed learning.

He studied the technique of the old detaillist masters, adapted the method at his discretion and in this way elaborated on his pictures, a time-consuming process of immense concentration and accuracy.
Because of a negative experience with the art trade he burnt his entire collection around 1980.

However, one painting survived this protest (“ ‘t haasje”, the Hare). His daughter, Susan te Wildt, motivated Henry to return to handling the brush once more. This resulted in establishing an art gallery run by his daughter (gallery te Wildt in s’-Heerenberg). It took another 5 years however for Henry to approve the showing and selling of his pictures elsewhere(a.o December 2001/2002/2003 A.F.A Rosmalen, March 2002, the Holland Art Fair in The Hague and also worth mentioning are the television appearances for Dutch TV and the German channel WDR)

During this period, in 1998, the te Wildt academy of arts was established. The school has now set up in 5 cities and has over 100 pupils. In this capacity Henry can pass on his knowledge, acquired over the last 35 years.
His painting can be seen as still lives. Those who know Henry te Wildt know that his paintings are drenched with symbolism. To quote him: “my paintings are like my children, and therefore they got part of my soul”. Another quotation states:”my paintings are meant for those who can read them”. Both quotes are often mentioned in one single breath. Although his works may differ in subject, they can all be categorized as still-lives. This is a logical consequence of his individualism, every emotion stands alone.
The very detailed refinement combined with the intended emotion make his symbolism and the virtuoso use of light, are meandering though his work like a constant presence.
In spite of the short period of time in which Henry te Wildt has been able to make himself known, he may consider himself one of the most important (neo-) detaillist of this day.

During this period, in 1998, the te Wildt academy of arts was established. The school has now set up in 5 cities and has over 100 pupils. In this capacity Henry can pass on his knowledge, acquired over the last 35 years.

His painting can be seen as still lives. Those who know Henry te Wildt know that his paintings are drenched with symbolism. To quote him: “my paintings are like my children, and therefore they got part of my soul”. Another quotation states:”my paintings are meant for those who can read them”. Both quotes are often mentioned in one single breath. Although his works may differ in subject, they can all be categorized as still-lives. This is a logical consequence of his individualism, every emotion stands alone.

The very detailed refinement combined with the intended emotion make his symbolism and the virtuoso use of light, are meandering though his work like a constant presence.
In spite of the short period of time in which Henry te Wildt has been able to make himself known, he may consider himself one of the most important (neo-) detaillist of this day.