Quentin Matsys | |
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![]() Quentin Matsys, engraved by Johannes Wierix with Dominicus Lampsonius' poem about how Matsys' girlfriend preferred the quiet paintbrush to the heavy noise of hammering | |
Born | 1466 Leuven, Belgium |
Died | 1530 (aged 63–64) Antwerp, Belgium |
Nationality | Flemish |
Known for | Religious and satirical portraits |
Notable work | The Ugly Duchess |
Movement | Antwerp School |
Quentin Matsys[1] (Dutch: Quinten Matsijs) (1466–1530) was a Flemish painter in the Early Netherlandish tradition. He was born in Leuven. There is a tradition alleging that he was trained as an ironsmith before becoming a painter. Matsys was active in Antwerp for over 20 years, creating numerous works with religious roots and satirical tendencies. He is regarded as the founder of the Antwerp school of painting, which became the leading school of painting in Flanders in the 16th century. He introduced new techniques and motifs as well as moralising subjects without completely breaking with tradition.[2]