Joos van Cleve (1485 - 1540) - photo 1

Joos van Cleve

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.

Date and place of birt:1485, Kleve, Germany
Date and place of death:1540, Antwerp, Belgium
Nationality:Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands
Period of activity: XVI century
Specialization:Artist, Genre painter, Painter, Portraitist
Genre:Portrait, Religious genre
Art style:Northern Renaissance, Renaissance

Creators Belgium

Cornelis Snellinck (1605 - 1669)
Cornelis Snellinck
1605 - 1669
Jan Pieter van Baurscheit (1669 - 1728)
Jan Pieter van Baurscheit
1669 - 1728
Victor Lvovich Kibalchich (Serge) (1890 - 1947)
Victor Lvovich Kibalchich (Serge)
1890 - 1947
Louis Halle (1810 - 1887)
Louis Halle
1810 - 1887
Fernand Verhaegen (1883 - 1975)
Fernand Verhaegen
1883 - 1975
Romain Steppe (1859 - 1927)
Romain Steppe
1859 - 1927
Aloïs de Laet (1866 - 1949)
Aloïs de Laet
1866 - 1949
Edouard Huberti (1818 - 1880)
Edouard Huberti
1818 - 1880
Valerius de Sadeler (1867 - 1941)
Valerius de Sadeler
1867 - 1941
Polydore Beaufaux (1829 - 1905)
Polydore Beaufaux
1829 - 1905
Jef Lambeaux (1852 - 1908)
Jef Lambeaux
1852 - 1908
Guiliam Gabron (1619 - 1678)
Guiliam Gabron
1619 - 1678
Adriaen van Stalbemt (1580 - 1662)
Adriaen van Stalbemt
1580 - 1662
Marthe Donas (1885 - 1967)
Marthe Donas
1885 - 1967
Charles de Groux (Degroux) (1825 - 1870)
Charles de Groux (Degroux)
1825 - 1870
Hendrik de Cort (1742 - 1810)
Hendrik de Cort
1742 - 1810

Creators Northern Renaissance

Niccolo Pizzolo (1421 - 1453)
Niccolo Pizzolo
1421 - 1453
Taddeo Zuccaro (1529 - 1566)
Taddeo Zuccaro
1529 - 1566
Wolf Huber (1485 - 1553)
Wolf Huber
1485 - 1553
Stefan Lochner (1400 - 1451)
Stefan Lochner
1400 - 1451
Bartolomeo di Fruosino (1366 - 1441)
Bartolomeo di Fruosino
1366 - 1441
Giacomo Pacchiarotti (1474 - 1540)
Giacomo Pacchiarotti
1474 - 1540
Domenico Cresti (1559 - 1638)
Domenico Cresti
1559 - 1638
Hendrick van Cleve III (1525 - 1590)
Hendrick van Cleve III
1525 - 1590
Willem Key (1516 - 1568)
Willem Key
1516 - 1568
Lorenzo Costa I (1460 - 1535)
Lorenzo Costa I
1460 - 1535
Juste de Juste (1505 - 1559)
Juste de Juste
1505 - 1559
Giorgio Vasari (1511 - 1574)
Giorgio Vasari
1511 - 1574
Celio Rodigino (1469 - 1525)
Celio Rodigino
1469 - 1525
Jacopo Palma I (1480 - 1528)
Jacopo Palma I
1480 - 1528
Bertolino de’ Grossi (XIV century - 1464)
Bertolino de’ Grossi
XIV century - 1464
Juan Flandes (1460 - 1519)
Juan Flandes
1460 - 1519