Lancelot Blondeel (1498–1561)

• Was a Flemish painter, designer of sculptures, tapestries and jewelry, architect, city planner, surveyor and cartographer.
• Blondeel was born in Poperinge, and established himself as an artist in Bruges.

• He became a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in 1519.

• He trained Pieter Pourbus, who married his daughter Anna in 1543 and eventually took over his atelier. 

• He primarily painted commissioned religious themed works for local churches.

• In 1550 Blondeel and Jan van Scorel were commissioned to restore Jan van Eyck's celebrated Ghent Altarpiece. 

• He made in 1549 on a commission by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, two triumphal arches, based on the Roman style.

• He also designed a canal that linked Bruges to the sea, a project that greatly promoted Bruges' trade.

• Blondeel died in Bruges on 4 March 1561.

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