The large altar paintings
The large altar paintings
A renowned school of painting developed in Liege in the 17th century, initiated by Gérard Douffet (1594-1661/65) who was a pupil of Rubens and was later seduced by the aesthetics of Caravaggio. Douffet trained Bertholet Flémal (1614-1675) who in turn was the teacher of Englebert Fisen (1655-1733).
Back in Liege after a long stay in Rome and Paris, Flémal spread the canons of classical painting that he discovered and practiced during his trip.
The painting represents the discovery of the Cross of Christ by Saint Helen, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine (4th century).
In this painting, considered one of the masterpieces of Liège painting, Englebert Fisen boldly and skillfully combines the exuberance of Flemish Baroque painting (Mary Magdalene on the left) with the measured sobriety of the Classical style (Mary and John in mourning on the right).