Degouve’s artistic journey began after a brief academic instruction, choosing to pursue art as a self-taught painter. In 1883, he connected with Jan Toorop near Brussels and befriended Henry de Groux, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship. He was associated with the avant-garde "Groupe des XX" and joined their final exhibition in 1893. His marriage to painter Juliette Massin further integrated him into the avant-garde literary and artistic circles, which included figures like Maurice Maeterlinck, Émile Verhaeren, and Stefan Zweig.

A transformative moment in Degouve’s career came with his first trip to Italy in 1885, where he visited Milan, Como, Bologna, and Venice. This journey deeply influenced him, particularly in his focus on nocturnal scenes, which became a hallmark of his art during his prolific years, including his time in Majorca (1899–1902). Among these works, "Le Lac de Côme", created during his Symbolist phase (1892–1899), stands out. Exhibited at the Salon de La Libre Esthétique in 1897, it was lauded by critics. Émile Verhaeren described it as a masterful depiction of velvety twilight, blending dream and softness.

Degouve’s mastery of pastel as a medium is especially evident in "Le Lac du Côme". He used delicate pigment gradations to evoke the sensation of mist descending on the lake at dusk. The artwork’s luminous quality, with its interplay of domestic light and enveloping haze, creates a tangible atmosphere of comfort and introspection. The monochromatic blues and tonal shifts amplify the dreamlike effect, dissolving the subject into a captivating aura.

Symbolists’ fascination with nocturnal landscapes marked a significant evolution in landscape painting, establishing nighttime scenes as a distinct genre. This shift paralleled musical nocturnes, like those by John Field or Claude Debussy, and poetic works like Verhaeren’s “black trilogy,” all of which explored introspective melancholy and moonlit imagery.

The fin de siècle’s emphasis on fully developed, large-format drawings elevated the status of works on paper, equating them with painting. Degouve’s use of chiaroscuro softened outlines, subduing sharp perceptions in favor of atmospheric reflection. This technique unveiled deeper realities beneath visible motifs, aligning with Symbolist aspirations to transcend surface appearances.

"Le Lac de Côme" exemplifies Degouve’s ability to harness the power of pastel in creating evocative nocturnes. Through its unique textures, spiritual undertones, and interplay of light and shadow, the painting embodies the ethereal beauty and imaginative depth characteristic of Symbolist art. Degouve’s work remains a testament to the transformative potential of nightscapes, blending visual art, music, and poetry into a singular artistic vision.