Pieter Aertsen

Pieter Aertsen, born in 1508 in Amsterdam and died on June 2, 1575, in Amsterdam, was a Dutch painter known for his monumental genre scenes that combined still life and genre painting, often with a biblical scene in the background. Aertsen, nicknamed Lange Piet because of his height, was a prominent figure in Northern Mannerism. He was apprenticed to Allaert Claesz and later influenced Flemish Baroque and Dutch still life painting. His works are celebrated for their detailed and dignified depictions of everyday life, often with a religious narrative subtly included. Aertsen's innovative approach to genre painting laid the groundwork for future developments in Dutch and Flemish art. His career was marked by his ability to blend the mundane with the sacred, creating a unique and influential style that resonated throughout Europe.