WALSCHARTZ, François

Flemish painter. Son of a goldsmith from Antwerp who settled in Liège, François Walschartz is one of the major representatives of the Liège school of painting in the 17th century. At a time when the school of Rubens and Flemish art shine brightly, the artists of the school of Liège are more attracted by what is done in Italy and France. Within this school, François Walschartz has the distinction of having fed in Antwerp, for two years, the style of Rubens, before retaining only the lessons of Caravaggio.

Few works by Walschartz have been preserved, they are mainly religious. His style is inspired by Caravaggism. There is a tendency to represent the characters very realistically, in their spontaneity and humanity. The Adoration of the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi were realized for the Saint-Antoine church in Liège. His Holy Family (Capuchin church, Malmedy) is considered his major work.

His later work seems to have a rather less naturalistic character; this should be linked with the pronounced classicist trend in Liège painting after the middle of the century.