Alphonse Colas

He was the fifth of seven children born to Jean-Joseph Colas (1779–1858), a tax official, charged with collecting the "contributions directes" in Verlinghem, and his wife, Adélaïde Thérèse née Leprêts (1786–1838).

His notable students there include Alfred Agache, Edgar-Henri Boutry, Léon Comerre, Albert Darcq, Pharaon de Winter and Gaston Thys [fr].

In 1850, he married Elodie Joséphine née Holle (1823–1895); daughter of the Chief Notary.

[1] He was one of the most notable church painters of his time, fulfilling numerous commissions in the region.

A collection of Old Testament scenes are among his works on display at the Palais des Beaux-Arts.