Title

Archduke Leopold Wilhelm Visiting His Collection in Brussels

Author

Teniers, David (II) [attributed to]

Antwerp, 1610 - Brussels, 1690

Typology

School

Century

Dimensions

Technique

Support

Observations

This canvas by David Teniers the Younger, conserved at the Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid, illustrates the interior of the cabinet of Archduke Leopold William of Austria, a passionate art patron who built a remarkable collection of paintings in Brussels. In this work, Teniers depicts the Archduke and himself observing the displayed paintings, an act that symbolizes the intimacy between the collector and his artistic advisor. This representation highlights the extent of the collection, primarily Flemish in this version, with works by great masters such as Jan Bruegel the Elder, as well as contemporary painters of Teniers, pupils of Rubens, or Italian artists. These works are carefully arranged, covering the walls of the room and creating an environment conducive to the admiration and study of art.

In addition to the version held at the Museo Lázaro Galdiano, several other paintings representing the cabinet of Archduke Leopold William exist in other important collections. At the Museo del Prado in Madrid, there is a similar painting, which also depicts the Archduke surrounded by his works of art, but with a stronger focus on Italian painting. The version kept at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels reflects his passion for Flemish painting and the diversity of artists he collected. Finally, at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, a later version of the cabinet emphasizes the importance of the Archduke's collection, highlighting more varied works, including some from the Italian period and the Rubens school, as well as portraits of the Archduke himself.

Although these paintings have stylistic and compositional nuances, they all share the same purpose: to testify to Archduke Leopold William's commitment to art and his desire to showcase his collection to his contemporaries, while also celebrating his role as an enlightened patron in the world of Baroque art. Each version reflects admiration for the refinement of Flemish painting, as well as the Archduke's interest in a broader approach to European art, through both old and contemporary works, particularly by artists from Rubens’ circle.

Currently, the canvas is displayed in the Room 1 of the Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid (November 2024).

Related links

Bibliography

• L. Arbeteta, e.a. (eds) (2002): Obras maestras de la Colección Lázaro Galdiano, Fundación Santander Central Hispano - Fundación Lázaro Galdiano, Madrid, pp. 214-223.
• Matías Díaz Padrón, Mercedes Rollo-Villanova (1992): David Teniers, Jan Brueghel y los gabinetes de pinturas, Museo del Prado, Madrid, pp. 88-93.
• S. Speth-Holterhoff (1957): Les peintres flamands de cabinets d'amateurs au XVIIe siècle, Elsevier, Brussels, pp. 143-145, il. 170.

Locations

• Museo Lázaro Galdiano, Madrid (Spain) (Inventory number: 8447)