Van Leemputten Frans
Frans Van Leemputten was a Belgian artist who was born in Werchter in 1850 and who died in Antwerp in 1914. He was a painter. Son of Jean François, brother of Corneille Van Leemputten. Shortly attended evening classes at the Academy in Brussels under P. Lauters, furthermore self-taught. From 1868 he worked from nature, especially in his native village Werchter. Debuted with the Group La Chrysalide, of which he was a co-founder. Realistically paint anecdotal scenes, more sporadic landscapes and animals. The initially gloomy, brown tones gradually give way to brighter colours. He usually sought his inspiration in the Kempen and paid particular attention to the figure, which he placed in his own environment. In his work he tried to reflect the melancholy, tranquility and poetry of the humble inhabitants of the Kempen. Was influenced by C. Meunier, L. Dubois and F. Courtens. Became a teacher at the Higher Institute in Antwerp in 1891 and settled in this city. Work in the Museums in Antwerp, Ghent, Namur, Leuven and Brussels. Mentioned in BAS I and Two centuries of signatures of Belgian artists. (piron)