Frans Mortelmans was a Belgian painter, draughtsman and engraver. He initially produced portraits, history paintings, marines and genre scenes but later specialized in still life, and in particular flower pieces, with which he achieved considerable success.

Frans Mortelmans was born in Antwerp as the first son of Karel Mortelmans and Isabella Poinjaert. His father was a printer and his mother ran a stationery shop. Frans would have five siblings: two brothers and three sisters. His oldest brother Lodewijk became a renowned composer. All the Mortelmans children attended the local music school and the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts*.

Frans Mortelmans studied at the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts under the direction of Lucas Victor S...