Quiringh Gerritsz. van Brekelenkam(after 1622-1669 or later) Van Brekelenkam probably learned to paint under of the 'fijnschilder' Gerard Dou in Leiden. In 1648 he and several other painters established the Leiden 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'.. Like many artists of the time, Van Brekelenkam exercised another profession in addition to painting in order to supplement his income: around 1656 he is known to have obtained a licence to sell beer and spirits. Several hundred paintings exist by Van Brekelenkam - primarily genre pieces - but also portraits and still lifes. Workplace interiors were his speciality. Van Brekelenkam generally chose the same subjects as his contemporaries, who are known as the Leiden fijnschilders, although his own style was somewhat less refined. |
