Cornelis Van Poelenburgh

Style: Dutch Golden Age;

Place: Utrecht

Born: 1595

Death: 1667

Biography:

Cornelis Van Poelenburgh

was a prominent Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman, known for his small-scale paintings depicting Italianate landscapes with small figures enacting biblical or mythological scenes. Born in 1595, he was the leading representative of the first generation of Dutch landscape painters who were active in Rome in the early 17th century.

Early Life and Training

Van Poelenburgh's birthplace is unknown, but a signed document survives in Utrecht where he is listed as six years old and the son of Simon van Poelenburch, a Catholic canon in Utrecht. He initially trained with Abraham Bloemaert, and his earliest signed paintings are from 1620.

Influence and Style

He traveled to Rome where he was influenced by Adam Elsheimer and became a founding member of the Bentvueghels, the society of mainly Flemish and Dutch artists working in Rome. Van Poelenburch's bentname was ‘Satiro’ (‘Satyr’). He counted a few Roman cardinals under his patrons.

Notable Works and Pupils

His "most important and successful" pupils were Daniël Vertangen, Dirck van der Lisse, Frans Verwilt, and Jan van Haensbergen. Arnold Houbraken claimed that his best pupil was Joan vander Lis from Breda. Van Poelenburgh painted mostly small landscapes with mythical or religious figures or passages, in a style that would later be evident in some of the works of Claude Lorraine.

Legacy and Museum Collections

The Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, Netherlands, houses an impressive collection of Dutch art from the 17th century, including works by Van Poelenburgh. You can explore his paintings on Wikioo.org, which features a vast collection of artworks from various periods and styles.

• Visit the Mauritshuis museum to see Van Poelenburgh's paintings in person.
• Explore Wikioo.org's collection of Dutch Golden Age art, including works by Van Poelenburgh and other notable artists.
• Discover more about Van Poelenburgh's life and work on Wikioo.org.

to note that Van Poelenburgh's legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike, with his small-scale paintings remaining a testament to his skill and craftsmanship. His work can be found in various museums and collections, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Mauritshuis in The Hague.