Paelinck, Joseph

Paelinck, Joseph an eminent Belgian painter, was born at Oostacker, near Ghent, in 1781. He first studied under professor Verhaegen at the academy in Ghent. He next went to Paris, and entered the school of David. On his return to Ghent he contended for the prize offered by the academy, which he obtained for his Judgment of Paris, and he was appointed professor of design in that institution. He shortly afterwards resigned his professorship and went to Rome, where he remained eight years, diligently studying the antique and the works of the great masters. He there distinguished himself by painting a large picture representing the embellishments of Rome by Augustus. On his return to his own country he executed many works for the churches and public edifices, as well as for individuals, which justly rank him among the most eminent of the modern Belgian painters. Among his most esteemed works on sacred subjects are, The Finding of the Cross, in the church of St. Michael at, Ghent: — The Adoration of the Shepherds, in the convent of La Trappe near Antwerp: — The Flight into Egypt, at Malines: — The Departure of Tobit, at Opbraekel: — The Retuirn of Tobit, from Maria Oudenhoven: — The Assumption of the Virgin, at Myuysen: — The Disciples at Emmaus, at Everghem: — The Calvary, at Oostacker, etc. These works are designed in a grand and elevated style, and display a profound knowledge of art. He is accused of over-fondness of academic display, but this blemish is more apparent in his profane subjects, although those of a sacred character are not entirely free from it.