This ensemble of five large paintings and two decorative bandeaux are by the Liege master Paul-Joseph Carpay. They were created at the end of the 19th century for the dining room of the Château of Bommershoven and demonstrate the artist’s artistic maturity. A native of Liege, Paul-Joseph Carpay (1822-1892) studied at the Fine Arts Academy of Liege. After being engaged by French painters to decorate a theatre, Carpay turned to decorative painting. During his long career he decorated churches, châteaux, town houses and other buildings. The largest of the paintings measures 200 x 365 cms. All of the works have the Orient as décor, albeit one that is more imaginary than real and reminiscent of the Tales of the Arabian Nights. The subjects remain unknown and could thus provide the focus for iconographic research. The paintings are major works by Carpay, who was at the height of his art when they were created, with largely original work and very little retouching. The David-Constant Fund has purchased this ensemble of paintings, that will be entrusted to the University of Liege to hang in one of the rooms in the Château of Colonster, where they will be available for viewing on request. Further information about the David-Constant Fund (in French)
