Van Helmont, Serges Jacob

Van Helmont, Serges Jacob a Flemish painter, was born in Antwerp in 1683. He was the son of Matthew Van Helmont of Brussels, and was instructed in his art by his father; but while the father painted markets, fairs, shops, and similar scenes, the son distinguished himself for religious compositions in the great style. He settled at Brussels, and was considered one of the best Flemish painters of his time, although, from weakness of constitution, he never left his own country. The Triumph of Elijah over the Priests of Baal, in the Church of the Carmelites; the Martyrdom of St. Barbara, in St. Mary, Magdalen's; and the Triumph of David, in St. Michael's Church at Brussels, are considered his masterpieces. He died at Brussels, Aug. 21, 1726.