The series of six engravings titled Counts of Holland and Zeeland marked a significant early collaboration for Philip Galle, completed alongside Willem Thibaut in 1569. This project in Haarlem occurred just before the printmaker relocated to Antwerp, an strategic move likely intended to bypass the mounting dangers associated with the Siege of Haarlem.
Early Career and Apprenticeship
Born in 1537 in Haarlem, Galle began his professional development as a student under Dirck Volkertsz. Coornhert, a humanist and engraver. By 1557, he commenced work for the Antwerp publisher Hieronymus Cock. He returned to Haarlem to establish his own independent printing operation in 1563. During this time, he focused on reproducing works by artists such as Maerten de Vos, Johannes Stradanus, and Maarten van Heemskerck.
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Upon settling in Antwerp, likely near the end of 1569 or early 1570, Galle resided in a house known as Het Gulden Hert. His publishing house grew into a substantial operation, producing prints after artists such as Hans Bol, Hans Vredeman de Vries, Marcus Gheeraerts, and Anthonie van Blocklandt.
Social and Political Context
Galle maintained complex ties to the religious and political structures of his era. He was a documented friend of printer Christopher Plantin and was potentially associated with the Familia Caritatis, a secretive humanist circle. His personal disposition toward peace was documented in his 1578 publication, Cort Verhael, which provided a chronicle of the 1576 looting of Antwerp, an event known as The Spanish Fury.
Legacy and Successors
His influence extended through a long line of pupils and family members. His children, including Theodoor, Cornelis, and daughters Justa and Catharina, became active in the arts. Other notable pupils included Hendrick Goltzius, Pieter Nagel, Jan Baptist Barbé, and Adriaen and Jan Collaert. The family business continued to operate from Antwerp well into the seventeenth century.
Fast facts
- Born: 1537, Haarlem
- Died: March 1612, Antwerp
- Primary Occupations: Engraver, printer, publisher
- Spouse: Catharina van Rollant (married 1569)
- Notable Publication: Cort Verhael (1578)
- Significant Work: Theatri Orbis Terrarum Enchiridion (1585)
- Citizenship: Dutch Republic, Spanish Netherlands
- Known Languages: French, Latin, Dutch
Questions readers ask
Did Philip Galle have children who worked as artists?
Yes, he had five children—Theodoor, Cornelis, Philips II, Justa, and Catharina—who all became active as artists.
What event is chronicled in the publication Cort Verhael?
It provides a chronicle of the 1576 siege and looting of Antwerp, known as The Spanish Fury.
