Born in Liège (Belgium) on November 8th, 1867 Emile Berchmans became a
genre-painter, specialized in wall-decoration and practiced monumental art. He
was also an etcher, lithographer and drawer. Being his father's pupil at the
Liège Academy, he became eventually the Director of his former school. His
paintings show generally landscapes and mythological figures. He illustrated the
edition of the 'Dialogues of the Courtesans' by Lucianus and also made the
drawings for the periodical 'La Plume'. Berchmans' art is rich and rough.
Sometimes his technique searches for irrealistic effects by means of mixing
gouache, pastel and watercolor. The line remains visible and the coloring is
severe. In rather conventional landscapes he evokes silhouettes of field gods;
by new lay outs and unexpected compositions he creates strong interest.
Museums: ceilings of the theatres in Liège and Verviers; dome of the
Church of St. Michael in Aachen (Germany); Museums in Liège, Brussels and Liège
Art Wallon. |
