Pierre-Yves Kairis rewarded by the Académie Française
The monograph by Pierre-Yves Kairis, Doctor of Art History awarded by the University of Liège and a member of the Institut Royal du Patrimoine Artistique, was recognised by the Académie Française on Tuesday 11 July. Entitled "Raphaël des Pays-Bas" and published in 2015 by the Parisian publishers Arthena, it is devoted to Bertholet Flémal, a 17th century painter and architect from Liège.
The text, which is rich in colours and images, offers an in-depth account of the work of one of the leading representatives of the 17th century Liège School of painting, Bertholet Flémal. At the time, although the Rubens School and Flemish art were important, artists from Liège were more attracted by Italy and France. Within this school, Bertholet Flémal distinguished himself in his works through his portraits and scenes inspired by mythology, religion and history.
Pierre-Yves Kairis was congratulated by the Académie Française for his research work in which he went beyond the works of Flémal in order to immerse himself in the rediscovery of the 17th century from Liège. The Académie also paid tribute to the Institut Royal du Patrimoine Artistique by recognising the scope of the Institute's research work in art history.
Currently the head of research linked to the Institut Royal du Patrimoine Artistique in Brussels, Pierre-Yves Kairis has, in his research and publications, mainly devoted himself to traditional painting in Wallonia, in particular in the principality of Liège.
Undoubtedly, some leading names in painting come from Wallonia and are recognised beyond our borders. A land of heritage and culture, it offers a refined and turbulent history that is visible in artistic creation. Walloons have contributed to this at all times in history, making Wallonia an active and innovative region.
On 1 December 2016, Pierre-Yves Kairis will be welcomed to Paris where the Eugène Carrière Prize, which rewards the author of an art history publication, will be awarded to him during the Académie's annual prize ceremony.