A Brush with Nobility: The Life and Art of François-Joseph Kinson François-Joseph Kinson, born in Bruges on January 29th, 1770, and passing away unexpectedly during a visit to his sisters in the same city on October 18th, 1839, was an artist whose life traced a fascinating arc through the tumultuous years of revolution and empire. He wasn’t merely a painter; he was a chronicler of elegance, a favored portraitist of the elite, and a man who skillfully navigated the shifting currents of European power. His story is one of artistic talent combined with astute social awareness, allowing him to f…