Frans Francken II (1581-1642)Frans Francken was born in Antwerp in 1581. Francken came from a family of artists and served his apprenticeship in his father's workshop. Frans II (his father was also called Frans) probably continued his studies under his uncle. In 1605 he joined the St Luke's guildPainters' guildGuilds were associations of people with a common aim or profession. Guilds of painters first appeared in the Netherlands in the 13th century. They were named after their patron saint: St Luke. Craftsmen had to be members of the guild to practice their trade. They were expected to adhere to certain requirements relating to quality and price, but the guilds also had funds to protect their members against hardship, economic or social. An extensive system of apprenticeship was maintained by the guilds. Only a fully-trained master could become a member of a guild. House painters and fine-art painters alike belonged to the St Luke's guild. In the 17th century, however, the artists became increasingly hostile towards the craftsmen, or 'coarse painters'. in his native town. Frans II painted altarpiecesAltarpiece or reredosAn altarpiece is a carving or painting made for a church altar, the table at which mass is said. Normally, the altarpiece rests on the altar, but it is also found behind or even above. The centre of the altarpiece features a depiction of Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint, with the side panels generally showing scenes relating to the life of the central figure. These are presented in chronological order and can be read like a comic strip. The backs of the side panels are almost always painted, giving a finished aspect to the altarpiece when closed. Sometimes panels are attached along the bottom; this is referred to by the Italian term 'predella'. and panels on furniture. He also produced small paintings with historical, mythologicalClassical mythology'Mythology' comes from the Greek word 'muthos', meaning the spoken word, or story. A myth is a story about gods or deities. Mythology is all the stories combined. In theory, all cultures have their own mythology. Usually, however, the word mythology refers to the stories of classical antiquity. In these the main protagonists are the gods of Greece and Rome. and allegoricalAllegoryAn allegory is a concrete representation of an abstract idea or concept. It usually features a complex combination of human and animal figures, objects and actions. An allegory often contains one or more 'personifications' - representations of (usually abstract) concepts in the form of a person. One of the seven virtues, for example, is personified by Dame Justice. Personifications are often depicted by stationary figures, while allegories usually feature some form of action or activity. Allegories were popular in all forms of art, from classical antiquity to the late 19th century. They were employed to represent a wealth of different concepts, including life, death, transience, painting, seasons, age and the elements. depictions. Frans Francken was especially skilled at painting small figures. These are often far more succesful than the landscape backgrounds in his paintings. Whenever possible he collaborated with other artists who would paint the background for him. |
