Cornelis Saftleven facts for kids
Cornelis Saftleven (born around 1607 in Gorinchem – died June 1, 1681, in Rotterdam) was a talented Dutch painter. He created many different kinds of art. He was especially known for his scenes of country life. But his paintings also included portraits, farmhouses, beaches, and landscapes with animals. He even painted history paintings, scenes of Hell, and pictures with hidden meanings (allegories). He also made satires and illustrations of proverbs.
Life of Cornelis Saftleven
Cornelis Saftleven was born into a family of artists. He likely learned to paint from his father, Herman. His brothers, Abraham and Herman Saftleven the Younger, were also painters. Cornelis lived for some time in Utrecht with his brother Herman.
After his training in Rotterdam, Cornelis probably traveled to Antwerp around 1632. The famous painter Peter Paul Rubens even added figures to Saftleven's paintings before 1637. When Rubens passed away in 1640, he owned eight of Saftleven's artworks. Four of these had figures added by Rubens himself.
Some of Cornelis's first paintings were portraits and scenes inside peasant homes. These were influenced by another artist named Adriaen Brouwer. By 1634, Cornelis was in Utrecht with his brother Herman. The brothers started painting stable interiors, which was a new topic for peasant art. Cornelis also painted a picture of himself and his brother called Two Musicians (around 1633).
By 1637, Cornelis had moved back to Rotterdam. In 1648, he married Catharina van der Heyden. She passed away in 1654. The next year, he married Elisabeth van der Avondt. In 1667, he became the leader (dean) of the Saint Luke painters' guild in Rotterdam.
Some of his students included Abraham Hondius, Ludolf de Jongh, and Egbert Lievensz. van der Poel.
Artworks by Cornelis Saftleven
About 200 of Saftleven's oil paintings and 500 of his drawings still exist today. He painted many different subjects. These included everyday life scenes, portraits, beach scenes, and stories from the Bible or myths. His pictures of hell and his satires (funny pictures) are considered very important. Many of his "Temptation of St Anthony" paintings are similar to his hell scenes.
Saftleven was very good at painting animals. He often showed animals as important characters in his art. Sometimes, they even had a hidden meaning (allegorical role). As a draftsman (someone who draws), Saftleven is known for his drawings of single figures. These were usually young men. He also made many studies of animals. These drawings show the influence of another artist named Roelandt Savery.
See also
In Spanish: Cornelis Saftleven para niños
