Nicaise de Keyser (1813–1887) was a central figure in the Belgian Romantic movement and a master of Historical Realism. Rising from humble origins as a shepherd, he received formal training at the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts under Mattheus Ignatius van Bree. His talent earned him the prestigious patronage of the Belgian Royal family and King Wilhelm II of the Netherlands. De Keyser is best known for his monumental historical canvases, such as The Battle of the Golden Spurs, and his elegant portraits of the European elite. His style is characterized by the grandeur of the Baroque revival, featuring dramatic lighting, rich textures like velvet and ermine, and a theatrical sense of composition. Translating a De Keyser masterpiece into a counted cross stitch design allows you to capture the opulence of 19th-century European history. The deep, royal color palettes and intricate details of his subjects' attire make for a sophisticated and rewarding stitching project that brings a sense of regal heritage to your needlework collection.