Dubroeucq, Jacques (c. 1500–1584)

Flemish sculptor and architect. He is best known for a series of carvings for the Cathedral of Sainte Waldetrude at Mons (1535–48) – although much of this decoration was destroyed during the French Revolution. As architect to Mary of Hungary, he built and decorated the castles of Binche and Mariemont. His works show his first-hand knowledge of Italian sculpture and architecture. He is also notable as the teacher of the sculptor Giambologna.

He was born near Mons, and became acquainted with the ideals of the Italian Renaissance while travelling in Italy sometime before 1535. There he studied the works of Ghiberti, Michelangelo, Sansovino, and others. In 1545 he became ‘master artist of the emperor’ (Charles V).