Ambrosius Bosschaert (1573-1621)Bosschaert was born in Antwerp. When, after 1585Sack of Antwerp (1585)Antwerp was Europe's leading commercial centre in the 16th century. In 1585 the city was taken by the Spanish army. This proved advantageous for the northern Dutch cities. Many non-Catholics fled to the new Republic, bringing their capital and their skills. In fact, the port of Amsterdam profited immensely from the subsequent blockade of the Antwerp harbour by the Republican fleet. The Sack of Antwerp signalled the end of the city's era of growth and prosperity. the city was no longer safe for ProtestantsProtestantA Protestant is a member of one of the Christian churches that first emerged in the 16th century with the demand for Church reform. In fact, the term refers to the protest by Martin Luther, the German theologian who demanded an end to the trade in indulgences (letters purchased from priests promising dispensation from punishments for sins) and challenged the authority of the Church. He saw the Bible as the only basis of faith. His open protest led to a break with the Catholic Church. Luther started the Reformation and his ideas influenced other reformers such as John Calvin., he and his family moved to Middelburg. In 1593 he joined that city's artists' 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'., the St Luke's Guild. Like Jan Brueghel, he specialised in floral still lifes, a popular genre in Middelburg. Around fifty paintings by the artist are known. His brother in law, still life painter Balthasar van der Ast, was a pupil of his. Apart from painting, Bosschaert also dealt in art and moved from town to town, having lived in Utrecht and Breda. In 1621 he died on his way to The Hague, delivering a floral still life to Prince Maurice for the sum of one thousand guilders. |
