Tytgat grew up in Bruges and Brussels. From 1897 he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels. He was influenced by Fauvism and Post Impressionism. Like many of his Flemish colleagues Tytgat initially painted under the influence of Paul Cézanne, Pierre Bonnard and Ambroise Vollard in impressionistic style. Only after the First World War he developed the style with which he has become known. Tytgat joined the Fauves Brabant who had united around Rik Wouters. During the First World War he lived in exile in London. Then he settled near Brussels.

His painting technique evolved into a more personal, the expressionism and popular prints from the 18th and 19th century - inspired style. Tytgat favorite subjects were the circus, fairs (especially carousel), nudes and interiors. His subjects he found in his immediate vicinity: Brussels, Nivelles and later in Saint - Lambert, where he lived from 1924. In the style of Tytgat the influence of primitive folk art is evident. At the end of his life he turned away from the popular topics and he painted more fantasy - like scenes. From 1920, Tytgat joined Flemish expressionists of the group around the magazine Selection. His work from that period shows the influence of Gustave De Smet. Besides paintings, Tytgat many etchings, woodcuts and book illustrations, for which he sometimes wrote his own lyrics.