Adriaen Thomas Key (c. 1544-after 1589)Antwerp painter Adriaen Thomas Key was a pupil of Willem Key, a distant relative of Adriaen's. Key's work in the 1570s reveals considerable similarities with that of his teacher. Many of his pieces were 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'. for the churches of Antwerp, however, he gained fame as a painter of portraits. Characteristic of his early portraits is the objective depiction of the subject. In his later work he placed increasing emphasis on the status of the subject, often prominent Antwerp citizens. After the Sack of Antwerp by the Spaniards in 1585 the Calvinist Key remained in his native town, although many of his fellow 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. fled north. |
