Finally, a new painting to share with you all. It's been a long hiatus, and I feel better for having started making art again. Here, then, is my latest offering: 'Gate after Hendrik de Keyser', 27x28 cms, mixed media on 300msg watercolour paper. It is a variation of a design reproduced in 'Architectura Moderna', 1631, the artist and architect Salomon Brays' tribute to de Keyser.
De Keyser, (1565 -1621), was an interesting character: architect, sculptor and merchant. He was resident mainly in Amsterdam, though he did visit England at the behest of Amsterdam city magistrates in 1607. His, work, as far as I can tell, blends the native Netherlandish tradition with Italian Mannerism. He was the son of a cabinet maker, and father of Pieter de Keyser, architect and sculptor; Thomas painter and architect; and Willem, architect and sculptor. Quite a talented family.
Talented indeed. I've only just found out, as of today 18.02.23, that it was Hendrik who designed and made the seriously grand tomb of the Stadtholder William The Silent (1533-1584) in the Nieuwe Kirk in Delft. Perhaps the most important commission that a Dutch artist has ever yet undertaken. The tomb, started in 1620, was completed after Hendrik's death by his son Pieter.
No comments:
Post a Comment