Michiel Ii Coxie Paintings

Michiel II Coxie, also known as Michiel Coxcie or the Flemish Raphael, was an influential Flemish Renaissance painter. Born in 1499 in Mechelen, which is present-day Belgium, he was deeply influenced by the works of Raphael and other Italian Renaissance artists, which is reflected in his style that often combined Italianate elements with Northern Renaissance traditions.

Coxcie received his early training in the workshop of Bernard van Orley, a prominent Brussels-based painter, and this is where he would have learned the basics of painting and the Northern Renaissance style. His talent was evident early on, and his desire to improve led him to travel to Italy, which was quite common for Northern European artists at the time seeking to refine their skills and learn from the Italian masters.

He spent a significant amount of time in Italy, particularly in Rome, where he studied the works of Italian masters. He was one of the first Northern artists to study the frescoes of Raphael in the Vatican, and his work after his Italian period shows a clear influence from the Italian master, especially in terms of composition and the use of color. This earned him the nickname of the Flemish Raphael upon his return to the Low Countries.

Upon his return to Flanders around 1539, Coxcie was appointed court painter to Emperor Charles V, a position that signified his prestige and the high regard in which he was held. His works include a wide range of subjects, from religious scenes and mythological figures to portraits. He was also involved in tapestry design and the restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.

Coxcie's influence on Flemish art was considerable. He was a pivotal figure in introducing and spreading Italian Renaissance styles and techniques in the Low Countries. His ability to amalgamate the detailed realism typical of Northern Renaissance art with the grace and idealism of the Italian Renaissance made his work particularly compelling.

Michiel Coxcie continued to paint until his death in 1592, at the grand age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that would influence Flemish painters for generations. His works are preserved in various museums and collections around the world, showcasing the blend of Northern and Southern European artistic traditions.