Hendrik van Steenwijk II (ca. 1580–1649) – circle

Interior of a Gothic Church, Flemish School, 17th century

The painting depicts the interior of a Gothic church, executed in the Flemish school of the 17th century, in the circle of Hendrick van Steenwijk i.e. one of the pioneers of perspective painting. The composition, built on an axis leading towards the main altar, shows a monumental interior with pillars, cross-ribbed vaults and side chapels. Figures of the faithful and clergy are visible in the space, introduced to emphasize the scale of the architecture and the mood of concentration.

The painting was made with oil technique on board, in typical Flemish school style. The frame is original, wooden, veneered, with preserved gilt edge.

The composition refers to the solutions used by Hendrick van Steenwijk the Elder and Younger, as well as Pieter Neefs and Bartholomeus van Bassen, developing the genre of architectural painting in Antwerp and Delft.

Century17th
Country of OriginFlanders
ArtistHendrik van Steenwijk II – circle
TechniqueOil on panel
Dimensions16 × 19 cm
Weight513 g