Paintings — Old Master Paintings and Sculpture: Part II
Adriaen Brouwer was a Flemish painter active in Flanders and the Dutch Republic in the first half of the 17th century. Brouwer was an important innovator of genre painting through his vivid depictions of peasants, soldiers and other "lower class" individuals engaged in drinking, smoking, card or dice playing, fighting, music making etc. in taverns or rural settings. Brouwer contributed to the development of the genre of tronies, i.e. head or facial studies, which investigate varieties of expression. In his final year he produced a few landscapes of a tragic intensity. Brouwer's work had an important influence on the next generation of Flemish and Dutch genre painters. Although Brouwer produced only a small body of work, Dutch masters Peter Paul Rubens and Rembrandt collected it.
Gerard ter Borch was one of the leading masters of Dutch genre painting of the Golden Age. His realistic aesthetic was developed by the Delft masters Pieter de Hooch and Jan Vermeer.
Roelant Savery was a Flanders-born Dutch Golden Age painter.
Savery primarily painted landscapes in the Flemish tradition of Gillis van Coninxloo, often embellished with many meticulously painted animals and plants, regularly with a mythological or biblical theme as background. He also painted multiple flower still lifes; bouquets in stone niches, sometimes with lizards such as Flowers with Two Lizards, insects or fallen petals and regarded as his best work.
His unique style of painting, related to the then reigning Mannerism, has been highly popular with collectors and can be found in many museums in Europe and North America. His preparatory drawings are also valued highly.
Aert de Gelder was a Dutch painter. He was the only Dutch artist to paint in the tradition of Rembrandt's late style into the 18th century.
As author of biblical scenes and portraits his style was inspired by Rembrandt's, using his artistic ideas, well into the 18th century, without being influenced by contemporary new fashions. From the artistic point of view his work can not be considered as passive imitation of the master; indeed, it stands for inventiveness in the narrative, taste for the theatrical and a strong emotional charge of the characters. All these traits made him one of the most important interpreters of Dutch painting of the late seventeenth century.
Philippe de Momper the Elder was a Flemish landscape painter and a member of the Guild of St. Luke in Antwerp.
Philippe was born into the famous family of landscape painters and engravers Momper of Bruges, who settled in Antwerp in the 16th century. His father was the famous landscape painter Joos de Momper (1564-1635). Together with Jan Brueghel the Younger, he traveled in Italy and created several views of Rome and its environs. As a pupil of his father, Philippe painted in a similar style, but contributed his own touches as well. Philippe de Mompera's paintings of winter landscapes, river valleys with deer and groups of walking people are also known.
Ludolf Bakhuizen was a Dutch painter of the 17th and early 18th centuries. He is known as an outstanding master of seascapes. Bakhuizen also painted biblical themes and portraits of his contemporaries as well as engravings and miniature models of ships.
Ludolf Bakhuizen is considered one of the best marine painters of the Golden Age of Dutch painting. Among the admirers of his work were many influential European rulers, including the Russian Tsar Peter the Great. The master met Peter I, who visited Amsterdam in the mid-1690s and, according to contemporaries, even managed to give some painting lessons to the Russian tsar. In addition, Вakhuizen made models of all kinds of ship designs on commission from Peter the Great.
Toward the end of his life, the Amsterdam authorities honored Bakhuizen by opening his own gallery on the top floor of the City Hall for his achievements in the fine arts. The best masterpieces of his work are now preserved in museums in the Netherlands, Germany, England, France, and Italy.
Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt was a Dutch portrait painter of the Golden Age.
Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt studied painting in Utrecht and soon became a recognized master of portraiture. He also painted on historical and mythological subjects.
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a pivotal figure in German Renaissance art. As a leading painter of Saxony, his influence spanned across the 16th century, making significant contributions through his paintings, woodcuts, and engravings. His artistic journey began under the tutelage of his father, Hans Maler, and saw him becoming court painter to the Elector of Saxony, where he produced a vast array of works including altarpieces, court portraits, and notably, portraits of Protestant Reformers.
Cranach's artistry was not confined to any single genre. He was renowned for his portraits of the aristocracy, deeply symbolic religious paintings, and engaging mythological scenes. His ability to capture the essence of the Protestant Reformation, notably through his portraits of Martin Luther, showcases his close connection to the movement and his role as a key figure in conveying its ideals through art.
A significant part of Cranach's legacy is his workshop in Wittenberg, which was a hub of artistic production. This workshop produced numerous works that bore his distinctive winged serpent signature, a mark of quality and innovation in the art of the period. Cranach's workshop was known for its efficient operation, enabling the production of a large volume of works that catered to the high demand of his time.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Lucas Cranach the Elder's work represents an intriguing intersection of art, culture, and history. His contributions to Renaissance art and his unique portrayal of religious and mythological themes continue to captivate audiences, making his work highly sought after in the world of art collection.
To explore more about Lucas Cranach the Elder's fascinating contributions to art and to stay updated on new discoveries or auction events related to his works, consider signing up for specialized updates. This subscription is designed for enthusiasts keen on delving deeper into the rich tapestry of Renaissance art and history, ensuring they remain well-informed of relevant sales and scholarly insights.
Joos van Cleve, also known by his real name Joos van der Beke, was a prominent Netherlandish painter, active mainly in Antwerp from about 1511 until his death in 1540 or 1541. His work predominantly centered around religious subjects and portraits, including notable commissions for the French King Francis I during his time at the French court. His artistic oeuvre reflects a blend of traditional Netherlandish painting techniques with contemporary Renaissance styles, showcasing his direct knowledge of local art combined with an awareness of Italian developments.
Van Cleve's work was characterized by its elaborate detail, particularly in his altarpieces which often incorporated portraits and landscapes, demonstrating his refined painting style. His success in Antwerp was significant, and he was also recognized at the French court, indicating his high regard as a portrait artist. Notably, Van Cleve had the opportunity to paint members of the royal court, including King Francis I and Queen Eleanor of Austria, underscoring his skills in portraiture.
His paintings are recognized for their sensitivity to color and a unique solidity of figures, with some works showcasing the popular style of Antwerp Mannerism. Van Cleve was an innovator in introducing broad world landscapes in the backgrounds of his paintings, a technique that became popular in sixteenth-century northern Renaissance paintings. Despite his contributions to the Renaissance art movement, Van Cleve also produced works that were highly eclectic, drawing on the styles of earlier Netherlandish masters as well as Italian influences, particularly in his use of sfumato, evident in his Virgin and Child compositions.
For art collectors and experts, Joos van Cleve's legacy offers a rich exploration into the transition from medieval to Renaissance art in Northern Europe. His body of work, found in prestigious collections such as the National Gallery in Prague, the Louvre, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, remains a testament to his versatility and skill as a painter of both religious narratives and royal portraits.
To delve deeper into the fascinating world of Joos van Cleve and to stay informed about exhibitions or sales featuring his work, consider signing up for updates from art institutions and auction houses. This subscription will ensure you remain at the forefront of developments and opportunities related to this influential artist's oeuvre, enhancing your collection and understanding of Renaissance art.
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a pivotal figure in German Renaissance art. As a leading painter of Saxony, his influence spanned across the 16th century, making significant contributions through his paintings, woodcuts, and engravings. His artistic journey began under the tutelage of his father, Hans Maler, and saw him becoming court painter to the Elector of Saxony, where he produced a vast array of works including altarpieces, court portraits, and notably, portraits of Protestant Reformers.
Cranach's artistry was not confined to any single genre. He was renowned for his portraits of the aristocracy, deeply symbolic religious paintings, and engaging mythological scenes. His ability to capture the essence of the Protestant Reformation, notably through his portraits of Martin Luther, showcases his close connection to the movement and his role as a key figure in conveying its ideals through art.
A significant part of Cranach's legacy is his workshop in Wittenberg, which was a hub of artistic production. This workshop produced numerous works that bore his distinctive winged serpent signature, a mark of quality and innovation in the art of the period. Cranach's workshop was known for its efficient operation, enabling the production of a large volume of works that catered to the high demand of his time.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Lucas Cranach the Elder's work represents an intriguing intersection of art, culture, and history. His contributions to Renaissance art and his unique portrayal of religious and mythological themes continue to captivate audiences, making his work highly sought after in the world of art collection.
To explore more about Lucas Cranach the Elder's fascinating contributions to art and to stay updated on new discoveries or auction events related to his works, consider signing up for specialized updates. This subscription is designed for enthusiasts keen on delving deeper into the rich tapestry of Renaissance art and history, ensuring they remain well-informed of relevant sales and scholarly insights.
Pieter Brueghel the Younger was a Flemish artist celebrated for his detailed landscapes, religious themes, proverbs, and vibrant village scenes. Despite being the son of the illustrious Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Brueghel the Younger carved out his own niche in the art world, earning the moniker 'Hell Brueghel' for his dynamic scenes of fires and energetic copies of his father's peasant life portrayals.
Brueghel the Younger's original creations, such as "The Village Lawyer," showcase his keen observation of village life, merging the energy and boldness of 17th-century style with his father's idiom. His work is characterized by its lively, picturesque depiction of peasants, albeit some critics argue they lack the subtlety and humanism of his father's creations. Despite this, Brueghel the Younger's legacy includes a significant number of original works and copies that were rediscovered in the 20th century, highlighting his contribution to the Flemish painting tradition.
His workshop was known for its prolific output, especially in producing copies of Bruegel the Elder's compositions, a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of the Bruegel family's artistic legacy. However, Brueghel the Younger also impressed with his unique compositions, contributing to the genre of still life and village scenes with a distinct style that resonated well into modern times.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Pieter Brueghel the Younger's works represent an important period in Flemish art, offering insights into the evolution of genre painting and the detailed portrayal of rural life. His paintings, held in esteemed collections worldwide, continue to be studied and admired for their vibrancy, narrative quality, and historical value.
To explore more about Pieter Brueghel the Younger and to stay updated on sales and auction events related to his work, signing up for specialized updates can offer exclusive insights into the world of this influential Flemish painter. This subscription ensures enthusiasts and collectors are well-informed about developments related to Brueghel the Younger's oeuvre, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of his artistic legacy.
Jan Fyt (March 15, 1611 – September 11, 1661) was a prominent Flemish painter and engraver of the Baroque period, celebrated for his refined still lifes and animal depictions. Born in Antwerp to a wealthy merchant family, Fyt began his artistic training in 1621 under Hans van den Bergh. He later apprenticed with Frans Snyders, a leading master of still life and animal paintings, working in his workshop until 1631. In 1630, Fyt became a master of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke.
Between 1633 and 1640, Fyt traveled extensively across Europe, visiting cities such as Paris, Rome, and Venice. In Rome, he joined the Bentvueghels, a society of Northern European artists, where he was nicknamed "Goudvink" (Bullfinch). During his time in Venice, he received commissions from noble families like the Sagredo and Contarini.
Upon returning to Antwerp in 1641, Fyt established his own workshop, producing numerous works that catered to the tastes of aristocratic patrons. His paintings are distinguished by their vibrant palettes, dynamic compositions, and meticulous rendering of textures, particularly the fur and feathers of animals. Contemporaries highly valued his hunting still lifes, as well as his portrayals of flowers and fruits.
On March 22, 1654, Fyt married Françoise van de Sande, with whom he had four children. In 1650, he joined the Antwerp "Sodaliteit der Bejaerde Jongmans" (Sodality of Elder Bachelors), a fraternity that required members to have visited Rome. By 1652, he was elected dean of this guild.
Fyt's artistic legacy comprises approximately 280 paintings, many of which are signed and dated. His works are housed in major museums worldwide, including the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the Louvre in Paris, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. In addition to painting, Fyt was an accomplished engraver, creating etchings that featured animals and birds.
Jan Fyt passed away on September 11, 1661, in his native Antwerp, leaving an indelible mark on Flemish painting and influencing subsequent generations of artists.
Quiringh van Brekelenkam or Quiringh Gerritsz. van Brekelenkam was a Dutch genre painter of the Golden Age.
He is known for his Baroque genre scenes of everyday life.
Jan Josephsz. van Goyen was a Dutch landscape painter and draftsman of the Golden Age, a member of the Guild of St. Luke of Leiden, and a representative of the so-called tonal landscape. Van Goyen specialized in landscape painting and left many paintings depicting forest paths, rivers, lakes, and canals. He also painted peasant huts and the outskirts of towns.
Jan van Goin was one of the most prolific painters of the 17th century: some 1,200 paintings he created and some 800 drawings have survived.
Bartholomeus Breenbergh was a Dutch Golden Age painter of Italian and Italianate landscapes, in Rome (1619-1630) and Amsterdam (1630-1657).