Michiel Sweerts

Michiel Sweerts
Self-portrait, c.1660
Born(1618-09-29)29 September 1618
Died1 June 1664(1664-06-01) (aged 45)
NationalityFlemish
Known forPainting
MovementBaroque

Michiel Sweerts or Michael Sweerts[1] (29 September 1618 – 1 June 1664) was a Flemish painter and printmaker of the Baroque period, who is known for his allegorical and genre paintings, portraits and tronies. The artist led an itinerant life and worked in Rome, Brussels, Amsterdam, Persia and India (Goa).

While in Rome Sweerts became linked to the group of Dutch and Flemish painters of low-life scenes known as the Bamboccianti. Sweerts' contributions to the Bamboccianti genre display generally greater stylistic mastery and social-philosophical sensitivity than the other artists working in this manner. While he was successful during his lifetime, Sweerts and his work fell into obscurity until he was rediscovered in the 20th century as one of the most intriguing and enigmatic artists of his time.[2]

  1. ^ Other names by which he is known: Michele Suars, Michele Suarssi, Michiello Suerts, Michiel Suerz, Michiel Sweerts, il Cavaliere Suars
  2. ^ Michiel Sweerts (Brussels 1618-1664 Goa), A lady sewing in an interior at Christie's