Matthieu Van Plattenberg Paintings

Matthieu or Matthijs van Plattenberg was a Flemish Baroque painter known for his marine scenes and landscapes. Born in Antwerp around 1607 or 1608, he was a part of a family of artists; his father, also named Matthieu, was a painter as well. Matthijs became a master in the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke in 1631, which was a typical path for artists of the time to gain recognition and legitimacy in their craft.

Throughout his career, Van Plattenberg was influenced by the marine paintings of the renowned artist Jan Brueghel the Elder. He spent a significant part of his life in France, where he was known as Matthieu van Plattenberg. During his stay in Paris, he worked on several projects for the French court and was involved with the decoration of the Louvre under the direction of Charles Le Brun, a dominant figure of French Baroque art.

His works often depict calm seas and harbor scenes, reflecting the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with naval power and the exploration of new territories. Van Plattenberg's paintings are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail and the use of light to convey the atmosphere. Despite the serenity often found in his seascapes, he occasionally depicted naval battles, showing a different aspect of maritime life.

Van Plattenberg's artistry was well-received, and his paintings were sought after by collectors during his lifetime. Unfortunately, his works have not been as prominently recognized in art history as those of some of his contemporaries. He died in 1660 in Paris, leaving behind a body of work that contributes to our understanding of marine art in the Baroque period. His legacy lives on through his paintings which continue to be appreciated by art enthusiasts and historians.