Monastic… by Simon Johannes van Douw

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

The Life and Travels of Simon Johannes van Douw

Simon Johannes van Douw was a Flemish painter and draughtsman whose career spanned several significant cities. While his exact place of birth remains unconfirmed, he was likely born in Antwerp, Belgium. He achieved status as a master in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke in 1655, and by 1656, he had married Johanna Soolmaeckers. His professional journey took him from Antwerp to Middelburg, where he became a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in 1656, and later to Rotterdam, where he was recorded as a burgher and painter. His activity in Rotterdam and Antwerp appears to have overlapped during the latter part of his life, with his last documented work dating from 1677.

Artistic Style and Subject Matter

The oeuvre of Simon Johannes van Douw is characterized by a diverse range of subjects, evolving throughout his career. His early works focused on cavalry skirmishes and battles, often adhering to the cabinet painting tradition through the use of atmospheric palettes and stage-like settings. As his style progressed, he turned his attention toward:

He was particularly noted for his accurate and lively depictions of animals, especially horses. His imaginary landscapes often featured numerous figures engaged in various activities, such as herding flocks or trading in a market scene. His human figures were frequently depicted with plump, round faces.

Simon Johannes van Douw

1630 - 1677 , Belgium

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Flemish Baroque painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Pieter van Bloemen
- Carel Fonteyn
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Philips Wouwermans
- Jan Frans Soolmaker
Full Name: Simon Johannes van Douw
Nationality: Habsburg Netherlands
Notable Artworks: ['Italianizing Capriccio with Market Scene']
Place Of Birth: Antwerp, Belgium
Date Of Birth: 1630
Date Of Death: 1677