Jacques Fouquières (1580 - 1659)

Jacques Fouquières

Jacques Fouquières, an eminent Flemish landscape painter active in the early 17th century, was celebrated for his detailed and atmospheric landscapes. Born around 1580 and active mainly in France, Fouquières's artistry flourished in a period rich in landscape painting. His style was heavily influenced by the Northern style prevalent during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, characterized by wide, panoramic landscapes with craggy rocks and a blue-greenish palette.

Fouquières's work was not just confined to painting; he was also a skilled draughtsman. His early works, like the "Winter Landscape" of 1617 in the Fitzwilliam Museum, showcase the influence of artists such as Joos de Momper, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Adriaen van de Venne, and Hendrick Avercamp. This particular painting is notable for its portrayal of a cold, wintry scene, exhibiting a mastery of the Northern landscape tradition. However, in his 1622 Forest Landscape, now in the Wallraf–Richartz Museum, Fouquières broke from this tradition, opting for narrower focuses and darker, more concentrated depictions of trees.

One of his notable works, "Landscape with ruins, people and animals," is preserved in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This piece exemplifies Fouquières's talent in creating engravings, a medium that allowed him to capture intricate details of landscapes and everyday life.

His legacy extends beyond his works; he was a teacher to notable artists like Philippe de Champaigne and Matthieu van Plattenberg. Despite the success in his early career, his life ended in relative poverty, as evidenced by the modest inventory of his estate.

For collectors, auctioneers, and experts in art and antiques, the works of Jacques Fouquières represent a significant period in the history of landscape painting. His contributions to the art world during a pivotal era in European art history continue to be celebrated and studied.

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