Gabriel Metsu

by Adriaan E. Waiboer, Marijn Schapelhouman (Contributor), Linda Stone-Ferrier (Contributor)

Despite his untimely death in 1667 at the age of thirty-seven, Gabriel Metsu left an astounding collection of history paintings, portraits, still lifes, and exquisite genre scenes. These charming depictions of kitchen maids, elegant young ladies, hunters, drinkers, and amorous couples have gained Metsu a place among the most celebrated painters of 17th-century Holland. His work ranges from group portraits of the families of wealthy merchants, to wistful portraits of single women and bustling genre scenes of markets and taverns. Meeting the demands of the early Dutch art market, Metsu mastered a number of different artistic styles.

However, Metsu's biography has remained largely enigmatic. This absorbing book provides insight into his life and details the network of personal and professional connections that influenced him. Following the successful exhibition of the artist's work last year, this book promotes greater understanding of the full range of Metsu's career, and the catalogue raisonné provides a detailed and informative record of his entire known oeuvre.

Genres: Art, Art History, Nonfiction

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly informative monography on a painter who is less known today but who stood in higher regard than Vermeer everywhere in Europe until well into the second half of the 19th century. By the time of his his death at only 37, Metsu from Leiden had already achieved high status in the competitive Dutch art market. This study reminded me of his versatility in painting techniques and choice of subjects, always with a commercial eye (maybe a little too much of an eye) for what rich customers wanted. He was Raphael-esk in his ability to learn very quickly (while maintaining his own touch) from other masters of his time such as Ter Borgh, van Mieris, and indeed Vermeer. The thesis that Vermeer in turn had lent innovative techniques from Metsu I found not yet conclusively argued for. On the other hand, the chapter on Metsu's paintings of women in local marketplaces I found highly convincing! Since the famous exhibition 'Ter Leering en Vermaak' decades ago, many cultural historians (like Eddy de Jongh) have claimed that an explicit, erotic-cum-moralistic message was present in these paintings, plain for all to see at the time but hidden for us audiences today- especially when birds where offered to young women (since in 17th century Dutch language, 'birding' means 'having intercourse'). This chapter puts that claim in historical context, by pointing to another moral message which Metsu's audience certainly would have understood, given the specific local community-bonds which all of his market-type paintings highlight in particular.
In sum, I learned a lot about a painter whom I thought I knew pretty much everything about already. Yesterday I revisited our Rijksmuseum to enjoy all four of his paintings I know ... only to discover that the famous 'the sick child' was not on display any more! Why?

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A known contemporary of Johannes Vermeer, Gabriel Metsu was also a renowned Dutch artist of the 17th century. Although not as big as Rembrandt, Metsu did experience a degree of high success in his lifetime for his artistry. Ironically, in the centuries since his death, his recognition in the art world has shriveled as Vermeer's reputation rose. This book, a collaboration between several museum directors, attempts to reintroduce art lovers to the world of Metsu.

The large chapters are devoted several analyses of the artist: from a brief biography, his artistic style, work analysis, to his representation of Dutch culture in his paintings. There is an excellent sum of details that brings about as a to-go book for Metsu. Put I large print with excellent quality scans of his works, makes this book worth the read in exploring more about the artist and Dutch culture during the 17th century. Despite a comparison page between Metsu and Vermeer, I can say that the former has a unique style that also captures elegance and pride that also makes his works standout from his peers. Surely if like Golden Age Dutch art, this one will do some good.