Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael, a Dutch Mannerist painter and draughtsman, was born in 1566 and passed away on August 1, 1638. He was also a successful flax merchant and town councillor of Utrecht. Wtewael's distinctive and attractive style remained largely untouched by the naturalistic developments happening around him, characterized by masterfully drawn, highly polished figures often set in capricious poses.
Early Life and Training
Wtewael was trained in the style of late 16th-century Haarlem Mannerism and remained essentially faithful to it. He began his career in Utrecht as a glassmaker and glass engraver in his father's workshop. In 1586, he started four years of travelling and living in Italy and then France, where he was influenced by the Second School of Fontainebleau.
Artistic Style and Works
Wtewael has left about a hundred paintings, as well as drawings and some stained glass designs. He painted a mixture of large paintings on canvas, and tiny cabinet paintings on
copper plates, the latter being more numerous and typically the most distinctive. Some of his notable works include
Adoration of the Shepherds,
Venus and Mars Surprised by Vulcan, and
Feast of the Gods. These paintings showcase his ability to blend conventional religious subjects with mythological ones, often featuring a strong erotic element.
- Importance of Wtewael's work: Wtewael's style remained largely untouched by the naturalistic developments happening around him, making his work unique and significant.
- Perseus and Andromeda in the Louvre is one of his most famous works, showcasing his skill and attention to detail.
- Wtewael's paintings can be found in various museums, including the Mauritshuis Museum in Utrecht, which houses a significant collection of his work.
Personal Life and Legacy
Wtewael was a prosperous flax merchant and had several children. He stopped painting for almost the last decade of his life, possibly due to the illness and death of his wife. His granddaughter still owned 30 of his paintings in 1669. In recent decades, there has been an increase in interest in Wtewael's art, with a major exhibition devoted solely to his work showing in Utrecht, Washington DC, and Houston, Texas.
Key points about Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael:
- He was a Dutch Mannerist painter and draughtsman.
- His style remained largely untouched by the naturalistic developments happening around him.
- He had a successful career as a flax merchant and town councillor of Utrecht.
- His paintings can be found in various museums, including the
Mauritshuis Museum in Utrecht.
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