The Antwerp Academy and the Shift to Light Antwerp, 1858. Edgard Pierre Jozef Farasyn enters a world of tradition. He begins his training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Antwerp, working under the guidance of Nicaise de Keyser. The early years are defined by a specific focus: the delicate rendering of children. These initial works carry a heavy atmosphere, built from dark, sombre colors that weigh upon the canvas. A change occurs in 1885. Farasyn moves into the role of teacher at the Academy, and with this professional shift comes a new way of seeing. He turns toward plein air painting…