Jan Brueghel l’Ancien

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Quote, estimate and price of the artist Jan Brueghel the Elder

Price of a painting by the artist: 20,000 – 3,900,000 €.

Price of a drawing by the artist: 1 290 – 163,000 €.

If you would like to have a work by Jan Brueghel the Elder appraised, our experts will take care of everything.

The youth of Jan Brueghel the Elder

Jan I Brueghel, known as Jan Brueghel the Elder or Jan Brueghel of Velvet, was a Flemish Baroque painter and drawer born in Brussels in 1568, he died in Antwerp in 1625. Jan I was introduced to art by his grandmother. She taught him the technique of miniatures and watercolours at a very young age. He and his older brother Pieter Brueghel the Younger were then sent to Antwerp to study the technique of oil painting.

Jan Brueghel the Elder’s training in Italy

Brueghel took several trips in Europe, notably to Italy where he met patrons and artists. Around 1590, while in Naples, he produced a large number of drawings that showed his interest in landscapes and monumental architecture. While in Rome, he spent time making watercolours depicting ancient monuments. He enjoyed the protection of Cardinal Ascanio Colonna in Rome and became friends with Cardinal Frederick Borromeo, an avid art collector, whom he followed to Milan when he was crowned Archbishop.

Jan Brueghel the Elder, a renowned painter

In 1596 he returned to Antwerp and continued his artistic education. He married Isabella de Jode who was the daughter of Gerard de Jode, a famous engraver, publisher and print merchant. They had a son,s Jan Brueghel the Younger.

The following year he became Master of the Guild of Painters of Saint-Luc and collaborated with many artists such as Pierre-Paul Rubens who became a true friend and godfather to his second child.

In 1606, he was appointed court painter to Archduke Albrecht and Duchess Isabella.

The artist is known for his extremely precise still life and flower designs, which were among his favourite themes. He also depicted biblical scenes, landscapes or mythological events with bright colour and a delicate touch. He mastered the miniature technique with great aplomb, allowing his works to have an extremely detailed finish, which earned him success and the admiration of his contemporaries. Unlike his brother, Jan I built up a distinguished clientele which enabled him to produce more expensive paintings.

Jan Brueghel II, known as Jan Brueghel the Younger would continue the tradition of flower painting following his father’s death and went on to collaborate with the same artists.

Appraising and selling a piece by Jan Brueghel l’ancien

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You will then be contacted by a member of our team of experts and auctioneers to give you an independent view of the market price of your piece. In the context of a possible sale, our specialists will also advise you on the different options available to sell your work at the best price.