Wenceslas Cobergher

Wenceslas Cobergher or Wenzel Coebergher , born with Antwerp in 1561 died with Brussels November 23rd 1634. Character of the Rebirth, gifted for the technical arts and iventions. He is at the origin in 1619 of the draining of the Moëres, a marsh located at horse on the current Franco-Belgian border.

Biography

Born with Antwerp in 1561 (or 1557 according to the sources).

In 1604 it is called at the court of the Archdukes Albert and Isabelle where it is devoted to the drainage works and the economic questions and social.

In 1612, inspired by its observations in the marshes pontins close to Naples, it writes a report on the draining of the Moëres ( De Moeren , Marshes). The archdukes like its project who confer the title of baron to him and name it Superintendent-General of the Pawnshops at the Court of Brussels in 1618.

In 1619, it begins the work of draining of Moëres, which will be completed in 1625.

He dies in Brussels on November 23rd, 1634.

Painter

He was the pupil of Maarten of Your. One owes him the “Martyrdom of St Sebastien” for the hotel of the archers of Antwerp, “Ecce Homo” of the museum of Toulouse, “Christ cried by the Holy Women”…

Engineer

He made drain Moëres in the area of Dunkirk.

Architect

He drew the plans of the churches of Béguinage of the Carmelite nuns and Augustins of Brussels, of Augustins of Antwerp, Notre Dame de Montaigu. In 1629 the Mount of piety of Bergues, current museum, was built on its plans.

It drew the plans of the Town hall of Ath, built of 1614 to 1620.

Economist

Inspired of what he had seen in Italy, he created the Mounts of piety of which he was named general superintendent.

Random links: