Toegeschreven aan Pieter Aertsen - De vier evangelisten - GG 6812 - Kunsthistorisches Museum

Pieter Aertsen (1508–1575) was a Dutch painter known for his still lifes and genre paintings. He was born in Amsterdam and trained under Allaert Claesz before setting up his own workshop in Antwerp. Aertsen's paintings often depicted scenes of everyday life, such as marketplaces, kitchens and taverns, with an emphasis on the depiction of food and drink. He also incorporated religious themes into his work, often placing biblical scenes in contemporary settings. Aertsen's style was characterised by the use of bright colours, attention to detail and the inclusion of symbolic elements. He was a major influence on the development of Dutch genre painting in the 17th century. He was a prominent artist during the Dutch Renaissance and his works were highly sought after by wealthy patrons. He was known for his ability to create complex compositions that combined multiple elements, such as people, animals and objects, into a cohesive whole. Aertsen's paintings often contained moral messages or allegories, and he used food and drink as symbols of temptation and indulgence. One of Aertsen's most famous works is The Meat Stall, which depicts a bustling marketplace with vendors selling a variety of meats and other goods. The painting is notable for its detailed depiction of the different types of meat on display, as well as the various people going about their business at the market. Aertsen's use of bright colours and attention to detail bring the painting to life, and it has become an iconic example of Dutch genre painting. Aertsen's influence on the development of Dutch genre painting can still be seen today, as many contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from his work. His legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Renaissance is secure, and his works remain highly prized by collectors and art lovers around the world.