Frans Snyders
Frans Snyders, a prominent Flemish painter, was born in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1579 and died in 1657. He was a significant figure in the Baroque movement, renowned for his dynamic still lifes and animal paintings. Snyders trained under Pieter Brueghel the Younger and later collaborated with eminent artists such as Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, contributing to the flourishing artistic scene in Antwerp. His works are characterized by their vivid realism and intricate compositions, often depicting hunting scenes and market displays. Snyders' influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his approach to still life and animal painting set a precedent for future generations. His legacy is preserved in numerous prestigious collections, including the Prado Museum and the Louvre.