Frans Mortelmans

Frans Mortelmans, Antwerp 1865 – 1936, Belgian Painter, Acacia Dealbata Mimosa

1865 – 1936

Frans Mortelmans, painter extraordinaire renowned for his masterful still lifes, floral arrangements, landscapes, interior scenes, maritime vistas, beachscapes, and portraiture, graced the art world with his prodigious talents. Born on the 1st of May, 1865, in the charming city of Antwerp, Mortelmans was destined to shine as a luminary in his field. Interestingly, he bore a familial connection to artistic brilliance, being the elder brother of the illustrious Flemish composer-conductor, Lodewijk Mortelmans. Mortelmans' formative years unfolded amidst the vibrant aura of Saint Paul's parish, where his artistic inclinations gradually took form. His artistic voyage guided him to the revered halls of the Fine Arts Academy of Antwerp, where his mentors included luminaries like Edward Dujardin, J.E. Van den Bussche, P. Beaufaux, E. Siberdt, J. Geefs, Albrecht De Vriendt, Karel Verlat, and most notably, Lucas Schaefels. Embarking on his artistic journey at a tender age, Frans joined the academy in 1876, forging bonds with fellow students who would become his artistic comrades. Continuing his artistic odyssey, he pursued advanced studies at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Antwerp, under the guidance of Juliaan De Vriendt and Frans van Leemputten. Mortelmans ingeniously propelled his craft through diverse exhibitions, collaborating with fellow artists to unveil his creations to a broader audience. Of particular note were his significant participations in the esteemed Triennial Salons of Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels. His artistry also graced solo exhibitions in prestigious galleries such as Verlat, Lamorinière, and Wijnen in Antwerp. His involvement extended to group exhibitions hosted by cultural associations like Arte et Labore and De Scalden in Antwerp, as well as art associations in Mechelen and beyond (1906-1907). The association De Scalden, founded in 1889, played a pivotal role in nurturing Mortelmans' artistic growth, championing innovative trends and fostering diversification in the arts. In 1910, Mortelmans undertook the mantle of a professor of still-life painting at the Art Academy in Antwerp, imprinting an indelible mark on the upcoming generation of artists. Noteworthy pupils include Antoon Marstboom, Franck Mortelmans, and Joris Minne. Mortelmans' oeuvre encompassed a broad spectrum of subjects, initially marked by meticulously arranged objects executed with precision. However, his artistic evolution gave birth to virtuosity—a symphony of colors gracing canvases without overwhelming them. His works exude a decorative finesse, a perpetual quest for harmonious composition. Operating from his private studio since 1892, he cultivated a distinctive realism that progressively embraced impressionistic nuances, reflecting the maturation of his artistic vision. Tragically, Frans Mortelmans bid adieu to the world on the 11th of April, 1936, within the embrace of his cherished Antwerp. Today, Mortelmans' legacy graces private collections worldwide. Museums also cherish his artworks, with notable holdings at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, the Antwerp Town Hall, the Museum of Flemish Cultural Life, the Museum Mu-Zee in Ostend, the Kortrijk Museum, the Hof van Busleyden Museum in Mechelen, and the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, USA.