Nicolaes de Bruyn (1571-1656) is known primarily among print specialists for his large engraved landscapes after designs by artists such as Gillis van Coninxloo and David Vinckboons from around 1600. He is often identified as a reproductive engraver because of his work after these artists as well as Maarten de Vos, Jacob Savery, the Sadelers, the Collaerts, Hans Vredeman de Vries, and single prints after Sebald Beham, Hans Bol, Abraham Bloemaert, and Jan Brueghel I.
However, these reproductive prints comprise about a quarter of de Bruyn’s total output. The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish volumes dedicated to de Bruyn’s prints will reveal an unexpected diversity in subjects and styles among his four hundred prints, published over a sixty-year career.
De Bruyn’s first prints from the 1590s show the influence of Abraham de Bruyn, his uncle and teacher, and follow established trends in Antwerp. By 1600, however, de Bruyn moved away from the small-scale, serial prints of his early years to specialize in large-scale landscapes, most of which include religious scenes. He would continue to develop this specialty after his move to Rotterdam and until his last dated print in 1652.
It appears that de Bruyn had only one follower, his pupil and brother-in-law Jan van Londerseel. Though Londerseel’s career ended with his death around 1625, de Bruyn would be active for nearly three more decades. The vast majority of de Bruyn’s prints were printed in at least two states, and many appeared in several states during life lifetime and immediately following his death – a testament to his success.
Compiler: Lorena Baines Editor: Nadine M. Orenstein
For more information and to order the volumes, please see the publisher’s website.