Enrico Fiammingo (see SOMER, Hendrick van) Paintings

Enrico Fiammingo, also known as Hendrick van Somer, was a Flemish Baroque painter who was active in Italy during the 17th century. Born around 1610, van Somer's exact birthplace is not definitively known, but he was likely from the Southern Netherlands, a region that now largely corresponds to modern-day Belgium. The name 'Fiammingo' is an Italian term used to refer to someone from Flanders, indicating his Flemish origin.

Van Somer's early life and training are not well-documented, which is not uncommon for many artists of the time whose lives were only sparsely recorded. He is believed to have traveled to Italy, as was the practice of many Northern European artists seeking the rich artistic culture and the classical heritage prevalent there. It is likely that he spent significant time in Rome, which was a hub for artists from across Europe during the Baroque period.

Enrico Fiammingo's work was influenced by the Caravaggisti, the followers of the revolutionary Italian painter Caravaggio, who were known for their dramatic use of chiaroscuro and realistic depictions of their subjects. Fiammingo adopted these characteristics in his own paintings, which often featured religious themes and portraits. His style suggests that he was adept at blending his Flemish artistic roots with the Italian Baroque's dynamism and emphasis on light and shadow.

Though not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Fiammingo's contributions to the period's art were significant enough that his works were sought after and collected. Some of his notable works include 'The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence' and 'The Doubting Thomas'. The latter part of his career and life is as obscure as the beginning, with the last known record of him dating after 1656. The exact date and circumstances of Hendrick van Somer's death remain unknown, but it is presumed that he died in Italy, where he had spent most of his professional life.