Peeter Gysels (1621-1690)The artist Peeter Gysels of Antwerp began as an apprentice in the 1620s to Jan Boots and subsequently to Jan Brueghel the Younger. Around 1648/49 he joined the city's artists' guildGuildA guild is a society of persons united by a particular aim or occupation. Guilds were first formed in the Middle Ages. Some guilds were founded as charities, others were societies of merchants, craftsmen, artists and militias. Craftsmen would have been unable to practice their profession without being a member of the guild. Members were bound by a code of quality and price, but could also obtain assistance from the guild. An extensive apprenticeship system developed. Only a fully qualified master could become a member of the guild. Each guild had its patron saint: the patron of the painters guild was St Luke., dedicated to St Luke. A year later, in 1650, he married Joanna Huybrecht. Gysels painted meticulously executed landscapes and urban scenes, as well as extensive still lifes. This painting from the Rijksmuseum collection is a combination of both genresGenreA 'genre' is a theme in painting. Up to the 16th century, most paintings featured religious subjects. Around 1600 this started to change. Artists began specialising in a particular subject. These new 'genres' were usually not or only partly religious. They included, for example, landscape, still life, architectural painting and history painting. These had long been included in paintings as elements of a composition, but never as the central theme. There is also a genre known as 'genre' painting. This category features works in which people are depicted in their everyday environment.. |
