Joannes Meyssens (17 May 1612 – 18 September 1670) was a significant figure in the Flemish Baroque artistic tradition, renowned for his contributions as a painter, engraver, and print publisher. Below, World History Edu delves into his life, artistic endeavors, and enduring influence on art history.

Early Life and Origins

Joannes Meyssens was born in Brussels, the capital of the Spanish Netherlands, in 1612. His early years were shaped by the bustling cultural and artistic life of the region. Although little is known about his childhood, Meyssens relocated to Antwerp during his formative years, where he laid the foundation for his artistic career.

An engraving of Joannes Meyssens by his son.

Guild Membership

In 1640, Meyssens became a master of the Guild of St. Luke in Antwerp. Membership in this prestigious guild was a mark of distinction for artists of the time, signifying their skill and professional standing. This also provided him access to Antwerp’s thriving artistic network, which played a vital role in his subsequent career.

Family Life

Meyssens married Anna Jacobs, who supported him throughout his life. Anna Jacobs outlived her husband, passing away in 1678. The couple had at least one son, Cornelis Meyssens, who followed in his father’s artistic footsteps. Cornelis became an accomplished engraver and later established himself in Vienna, contributing to the family’s artistic legacy.

Major Works

Meyssens was not only a painter but also excelled as an engraver and print publisher. His artistic practice was deeply rooted in collaboration, working alongside other contemporary painters and engravers to produce high-quality works. His business acumen and artistic vision made him a central figure in Antwerp’s art world during the mid-17th century.

Meyssens is best remembered for his publication Image de divers hommes d’esprit sublime qui par leur art et science devront vivre eternellement (translated as Portraits of Various Men of Sublime Spirit Who Through Their Art and Science Will Live Forever). This landmark book, published in Antwerp in 1649, showcased engraved portraits of prominent figures of the time.

The book contained meticulously engraved portraits of celebrated individuals, including artists, scholars, and other intellectuals. Each portrait was accompanied by descriptions in French, written by Meyssens himself. These descriptions offered biographical insights and celebrated the achievements of the depicted figures.

Joannes Meyssens’s publication Image de divers hommes d’esprit sublime remains a cornerstone of art historical scholarship, preserving the memory of countless 17th-century figures.

The publication became a vital resource for art historians. Meyssens’ engravings were used as references by subsequent historians and authors, such as Cornelis de Bie, who relied on them in his Het Gulden Cabinet (1662). Meyssens’ work also influenced art historical documentation in the 17th and 18th centuries, with figures like Filippo Baldinucci, Joachim von Sandrart, and Arnold Houbraken citing his descriptions.

The enduring appeal of Meyssens’ work is evidenced by the English translation of his book, published in London in 1694 under the title The True Effigies of the Most Eminent Painters, and Other Famous Artists That Have Flourished in Europe. This version further solidified his influence and introduced his engravings to a broader, international audience.

Influence on Contemporary Artists

Meyssens played a pivotal role in fostering collaborations within the artistic community. He worked closely with notable painters and engravers of his time, contributing to the dissemination of their works. One of the artists influenced by Meyssens was Theodoor van Merlen, a fellow engraver and printmaker.

From his early days in Brussels to his flourishing career in Antwerp, Meyssens exemplified the spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Contribution to Art History

The descriptive texts accompanying his engravings provided valuable biographical details about many 17th-century figures. These notes have proven indispensable to art historians seeking to reconstruct the lives and works of artists from the period. Meyssens’ engravings, therefore, not only celebrated the artistic achievements of his contemporaries but also preserved their legacy for posterity.

Innovations in Print Publishing

As a print publisher, Meyssens was ahead of his time in recognizing the potential of printed engravings to reach a wide audience. His work bridged the gap between fine art and mass communication, making artistic achievements accessible to people beyond the confines of aristocratic patronage.

Family Legacy

Through his son Cornelis Meyssens, Joannes’ influence extended into the next generation. Cornelis’ move to Vienna and subsequent career ensured that the Meyssens name remained associated with artistic excellence beyond the borders of Antwerp.