THE YELLOW BUTTERFLY

Painter of historical, biblical and religious subjects, genre scenes and portraits.

Jean-François Portaels was a pupil at the Brussels Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied under François Navez, founder of modern classicism. He perfected his technique in Paris in Paul Delaroche’s studio. In 1842, he won the Prize of Rome and, from 1843 till 1847, he visited Italy, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Judea, Spain, Hungary and Norway. Back in Belgium, he successfully exhibited in Ghent and was nominated director of the Ghent Academy. As a teacher, Portaels had a sober approach where experience was more important than theory.

He married the daughter of his first teacher, François Navez.

Portaels was thé painter of elegant ladies from the highest circles of society. His paintings always show the grace of women.

From 1858 to 1870 he directed a free workshop, where practice had more importance than theory, and was followed by many artists.