Balthasar-Paul Ommeganck

Balthasar-Paul Ommeganck, also spelt Paul Balthasar Ommeganck, was a Flemish painter who was born in Antwerp in 1755. He died in Antwerp in 1826. From 1767 he was an apprentice pupil of the painter Hendricus Josephus Antonissen. In this period, he also studied at the Antwerp Academy. He painted landscapes and sheep. In 1788 he cofounded the art society Genootschap ter aanmoediging der Schoone Kunsten ("Society for the encouragement of the fine arts’) The society tried to promote the artworks of its members and exhibited in Antwerp in 1789 for the first time. In 1789 Ommeganck became dean of the Guild of St. Luke of Antwerp. In 1796 he was appointed a professor at the Antwerp Académie de Peinture, sculpture et architecture d’Anvers. In 1799, Ommeganck was honoured with the first prize, category landscapes. In 1809 he became a corresponding member of the Institut de France, which had been established on 25 October 1795.
Ommeganck painted portraits and particularly landscapes which were inspired by Dutch Italianate painters of the 17th century. His work shows attention to detail and subtle use of colour. Ommeganck's style was widely followed in the 18th and early 19th century. He also was a skilful draughtsman and sculptor.