Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman

1808 - 1880

Quick Facts

  • Lifespan: 72 years
  • Art period: 19th Century
  • Born: 1808, Bruges, Belgium
  • Museums on APS: Groeningemuseum
  • Also known as:
    • Auguste Joseph Marie De Mersseman
    • August Jozef Mersseman
    • August Jozef De Merssemann
    • August Jozef De Mersseman
    • August De Merssemann
  • Top-ranked work: Old Woman with Her Cats

The Life and Artistic Training of Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman

Born in Bruges, Belgium, Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman was the son of Jacques Pierre Marie De Mersseman, a pharmacist, and Anne Jacqueline De Busscher. He was the brother of Jacques De Mersseman, a physician and historian. His formal artistic education began at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bruges, followed by studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels starting in 1833. During his development, he was a student in the studio of Joseph Laurent Dyckmans. After establishing himself in Antwerp in 1840, he became a frequent participant in various exhibitions, including the triennial Belgian salons, where he exhibited until 1879.

Artistic Themes and Notable Works

The oeuvre of Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman is characterized by a variety of subjects, including genre scenes, romantic portraits, and still lifes. His still life compositions frequently featured fruits and shells, executed with a fine manner and finished drawing. His subject matter spanned from domestic scenes, such as A Milkmaid from the Environs of Antwerp and A Cook Cleaning Fish, to portraits and studies of lace makers. His later works often focused on shells and accessories. His collection, which included paintings, engravings, porcelains, and antiquities, was sold in August 1887.

Questions & Answers

Is there a timeline of Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman's works?

A timeline of Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman's works exists: the artist's Artwork Timeline page orders the artworks by creation date.

Is there a chronological account of Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman?

A chronological account of Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.

Where are Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman's artworks organized by color?

The Spectral Index page organizes Auguste-Joseph De Mersseman's artworks by color.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was Auguste De Mersseman born?
Question 2:
Which artist was a teacher of Auguste De Mersseman?
Question 3:
What were some of the common subjects of De Mersseman's still life paintings?
Question 4:
In which year did De Mersseman first exhibit at the Salon de Gand?
Question 5:
What was the cause of Auguste De Mersseman's death?