The Life and Career of the Crommelynck Brothers
Born into a family with a strong artistic heritage, the Crommelyncks’ father Fernand was a dramatist, while his uncle was a painter, set designer, muralist, printmaker, and writer. This early exposure laid the foundation for what would become a storied career in the arts. Following family tradition, Aldo and Piero Crommelynck began an apprenticeship in Paris aged 17, under the master Roger Lacourière. They were supposed to specifically learn the intaglio technique. It was here that Aldo’s reputation in particular as a master printmaker began to flourish, and he worked with Miró and Matisse – notably on the latter’s aquatint series Visage. Although Fernand had hoped his sons would pursue careers as artists, they found their calling in realising the printed works of the 20th century’s most influential artists, transforming their father’s artistic aspirations into a legacy of collaboration and craftsmanship.
In 1955, they opened their own workshop alongside their other brother Milan. The atelier soon became a magnet for artists seeking to explore and execute their visions in the print medium, as the Crommelyncks technical prowess and willingness to experiment made them a sought-after collaborator. Throughout their career, the Crommelyncks were celebrated for their dedication to the craft of printmaking, innovative approach to traditional techniques, and collaborative spirit. They were not just a technician, but artists in their own right, able to bridge the gap between the artist’s vision and the final print.
The Crommelyncks’ legacy is not merely in the prints they helped produce but also in their influence on the art of printmaking. They demonstrated the potential of prints as a primary form of artistic expression, rather than just a reproductive medium. The work has left a significant impact on the art world, inspiring future generations of artists and printmakers to explore the limitless possibilities of the printed image. Piero died in Paris, May 18th, 2001. Aldo died in Paris on December 22nd 2008, aged 76.
