Paulus Moreelse

Paulus Moreelse (1571-1638)

The Utrecht artist Moreelse was at home in any field. He painted, made designs for city gates and new urban districts, and was actively involved in politics. The artist studied with the Delft portrait painter Michiel van Miereveld. At some time prior to 1596, Moreelse visited Italy. Moreelse helped found the Utrecht 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. of St Luke for painters and became its first president. In 1618 he took a seat on the town council, and in 1636 he was involved in the establishment of the University of Utrecht. Because of his political activities, Moreelse received important commissions from the stadholder's courtStadholderA stadholder (the word means viceroy or governor) represented the sovereign in a part of the latter's domain. He was both administrator and general. When the provinces of the Low Countries revolted against Spain in the late 16th century the office was retained. But now it was the provinces themselves that appointed the stadholder. Each province had its own stadholder, although the same person was often appointed in more than one province. and from noble patrons even at the start of his career as an artist. He painted portraits and works of biblicalBibleThe word 'bible' comes from the Greek word 'biblos', which means book. In fact the Bible is not one, but a collection of many books. It divides into two parts, the Old and the New Testament, both comprising various groups of writings - the books of the Bible. The Old Testament contains the laws and history of the Jewish people from the Creation to pre-Roman times. The New Testament deals with Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The accent is on his ministry, the Crucifixion and his Resurrection from death. Here too are the stories of Christ's first followers, the apostles. Christian teaching is founded on the Bible. and 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. subjects. His paintings were highly sought after by collectors.