DE GHEYN II, Jacques (Dutch, 1576-1632). Attributed to Study of a Dragonfly.

DE GHEYN II, Jacques (Dutch, 1576-1632)
Attributed to Study of a Dragonfly
Pen and brown ink on off white laid paper.
Paper watermarked with an armorial cartouche with Strasbourg bent and letters
3 5/8” x 5 5/8” sheet, 8 1/4” x 9 1/2” framed


DE GHEYN II (1576-1632) - FATHER OF DUTCH NATURALISM
Jacques de Gheyn II was one of the greatest Dutch draftsmen before Rembrandt. He pioneered Dutch naturalism, characterized by a keen interest in natural objects, particularly small specimens such as insects and shellfish. Born in Antwerp, the artist received his early training from his father, Jacob de Gheyn I, a glass painter, engraver, and draftsman. In 1585, he moved to Haarlem, where he studied under Hendrik Goltzius for five years. He then moved to Leiden in the mid-1590s. His work caught the attention of wealthy patrons, including Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange.