Navez, Francois Josepit

Navez, Francois Josepit an eminent Belgian paints er, celebrated for his devotion to sacred art, was born at Charleroi November 17, 1787, and studied at Brussels, and at Ghent, where he gained a prize. He early became noted for his artistic qualities; yet he continued his studies, and, not contented with the advantages afforded him at home, went to Paris, where he became a pupil of the celebrated J.L. David, and subsequently studied in Italy under distinguished masters. On his return to the Belgian capital, Navez rose rapidly to distinction. He was made professor in the normal school and director ,of the Academy of Fine Arts, and was generally acknowledged the most eminent master of the academical school of painting. He died in 1869. Among his works are, Hagar in the Desert, Meeting of Isaac and Rebecca, Raising of the Son of the Shulamite Woman, Prophet Samuel, Ascension of the Virgin, Marriage of the Virgin, Jesus Sleeping, and the Virgin and the Infant Jesus.