In 1900, Doudelet was commissioned by the Belgian government to research the history of books and printing. This study took him to major libraries across Europe, with a special focus on the top Florentine libraries. He stayed in Italy until 1924, where he not only worked as an artist and illustrator, but also taught at a drama school and became artistic director of the film studio 'Il Rinascimento.'

On his return to Ghent, re-entry was difficult. His prolonged absence had cost him his regulars, and interest in symbolism had now faded. Nevertheless, he was highly regarded as a teacher at the Royal School of Drama Oscar de Gruyter.