MELLERY, XAVIER

(1845-1921)

Xavier Mellery was born inLaekenon 9 April 1845. A painter, graphic artist, and illustrator, he studied at theAcadémie royale des Beaux-Artsand won the Prix de Rome in 1870. He exhibited atLes XXfrom 1885. Mellery produced allegorical and decorative paintings as well as a series of symbolist drawings in which he sought to express the "soul" of everyday life. His drawings served as the basis for the 13 statues that grace the ground floor of the porte deHal. He died in Laeken on 4 February 1921.