Circle By David Teniers (antwerp, 1610 - Brussels, 1690), Interior With Folk Figures

Circle by David Teniers (Antwerp, 1610 - Brussels, 1690)

Interior with folk figures

Oil on canvas, cm 37 x 27

With frame, cm 48 x 37

David Teniers the Younger (15 December 1610, Antwerp - 25 April 1690, Brussels) was a Flemish painter known for his prolific production of genre scenes, landscapes, portraits and religious and mythological scenes. Son of the painter David Teniers the Elder, from whom he received his first artistic training, David the Younger soon became a prominent figure in the Antwerp painting scene. His career took off thanks to his ability to represent with vivacity and minuteness the daily life in 17th century Flanders. His early works often focus on scenes of taverns, village parties and markets, characterized by an acute observation of details and a lively brushstroke. A turning point in his career was his entry into the service of Leopoldo Guglielmo d'Austria, governor of the Spanish Netherlands and passionate art collector. From about 1651, Teniers became the curator of his vast collection of Italian paintings, a role that allowed him to study closely the masterpieces of the Venetian Renaissance and other Italian masters. This experience influenced his style, leading to greater refinement and the introduction of new subjects, such as art gallery scenes depicting the Archduke’s collection. Teniers later became a court painter, working for Leopold William and other members of the aristocracy. His versatility allowed him to move between different genres, also making portraits and mythological and religious scenes, although his genre scenes remain the most famous. Teniers married Anna Brueghel, daughter of Jan Brueghel the Elder, thus joining an important dynasty of Flemish painters.