The Dutch genre paintings, would they have existed without Willem Buytewech? The great creativity of this early genius has permanently changed Dutch painting, yet oddly enough, Buytewech's name is not widely recognized. In the virtual museum of the fun part of art, his influence is valued, and we admire his witty works.
Willem Buytewech was born in 1585 in Rotterdam. At a young age, he found his way to Haarlem, and this was a fortunate choice because Haarlem was the place to be if you wanted to learn painting. In Haarlem, Willem Buytewech met the great Frans Hals, who was of the same generation. They collaborated and influenced each other, both pioneering in Dutch painting in the 17th century.
After his education, Willem Buytewech also established himself in the vibrant artistic community of Haarlem. He became successful and even joined the local Sint-Lucas Guild. What set Willem Buytewech apart was his ability to paint a wide range of subjects, showcasing his versatility as an artist. This made him innovative, and perhaps he also influenced artists like Adriaen Brouwer, who studied under Frans Hals in Haarlem. In Haarlem, Willem Buytewech married Aeltje Jacobsdochter van Amerongen, and he had a solid network within the city.
In 1617, Willem Buytewech moved back to his hometown, Rotterdam. This was a significant change because Rotterdam was not a major city at the time, and Haarlem offered more opportunities for a painter. Perhaps an inheritance compelled him to return to his birthplace, but he still maintained connections with Haarlem. He passed away in Rotterdam in 1627.
Willem Buytewech was an exceptional artist, a true genius. Without formal training or established examples, he mastered the art of painting various subjects. He was a pioneer and is considered the founder of genre painting. His works depicted scenes of gatherings in inns, domestic life, and contained subtle symbolism. Willem Buytewech had a knack for connecting with his audience.
Ironically, Willem Buytewech's name is not as widely recognized today as some of his contemporaries in Haarlem. His move to Rotterdam may have contributed to his relative obscurity. Adriaen Brouwer quickly gained fame, to the point where genre paintings in the 17th century were sometimes referred to as "brouwerkens" (brewer's works), not "buytewechkens"!
It was only in the 20th century that Willem Buytewech gained more recognition, and people began to appreciate the significant influence of this creative genius.
In the virtual museum of the fun part of art, you'll find all the great names, including those painters who were unfairly forgotten in later centuries. Through his videos, Bas Zevenbergen helps us understand what these old masters teach us about the society of the 17th century. Willem Buytewech has much to tell us. Discover it online at the fun part of art!
