Pieter MEULENER (Antwerp, 1602–1654)

• Christie’s auction, London, Collection of the Duke of Norfolk, 11 February 1938, lot 116.

A battle-scene painter, Pieter Meulener was the son of Jan Molenaer (died c. 1646), with whom he began his apprenticeship. He subsequently joined the workshop of Sebastien Vrancx (1573–1647) and became a master of the Antwerp Guild in the years 1631–1632. Our painter was familiar with the work of the battle painter Peter Snayers (1592–1667), from whom he drew inspiration for the fervour of the horsemen on their rearing mounts, and the earthy tones which he accentuates and enhances with striking flashes of red.