The chisel work of Cornelis Bloemaert became defined by the richness of its colors and the smooth transitions between tones, a technique that distinguished his reproductive prints from those of his contemporaries. Born in 1603 in Utrecht, he transitioned from his initial training as a painter to establish a lasting career centered primarily on engraving and printmaking.
Early Training and Paris Years
Bloemaert began his formal education in the Dutch Republic, learning painting techniques from his father, Abraham Bloemaert, his brothers Hendrick and Adriaan, and his father's pupil, Gerard van Honthorst. He later transitioned into printmaking under the guidance of Crispijn van de Passe. By 1630, he traveled to Paris, where he produced engravings for projects such as the Temple des Muses by Michel de Marolles.
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In 1633, he moved to Rome, a city where he eventually settled for the remainder of his life. As a member of the Bentvueghels, an association of Dutch and Flemish artists, he operated under the bent name Winter. His workshop in Rome served as a hub for foreign engravers and was essential in distributing Italian artistic influence across Europe. He remained in the city after missing the chance to return to his father before his death, continuing his work until he died in 1692.
Engraving Projects and Collaborations
Bloemaert produced numerous engravings based on notable Italian paintings, including Annibale Carracci's The Holy Family, Pietro da Cortona's Adoration of the Shepherds, and Rubens' Meleager. Between 1664 and 1677, he collaborated with artists such as Coenraed Lauwers, Albert Clouwet, and Jacques Blondeau to reproduce Pietro da Cortona's frescoes from the Palazzo Pitti. These were released in 1677 by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi under the title Heroicae Virtutes Imagines quas eques Petrus Beretinus pinxit Florentiae. He also provided frontispiece engravings for Daniello Bartoli’s Istoria della Compagnia di Gesu in 1659 and 1667.
Fast facts
- Born: 1603, Utrecht
- Died: 28 September 1692, Rome
- Citizenship: Dutch Republic
- Occupations: Painter, printmaker, copper engraver, draftsperson, print publisher
- Bent name: Winter
- Religion: Catholic Church
Questions readers ask
What specific engraving techniques did Cornelis Bloemaert utilize?
He was noted for his ability to achieve rich colors and smooth transitions between tones within his engravings.
Did Bloemaert belong to any specific artist organizations?
Yes, he was a member of the Bentvueghels, an association of Dutch and Flemish artists working in Rome.
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