Philip Fruytiers

Background

He was the son of January Fruytiers and Catherina Vervloet.

Career

Until the 1960s, he was especially known for some miniature portraits in watercolor and gouache. Since then, several large canvases signed with the monogram Paired Helical Filaments have been ascribed to him. These new findings have led to a renewed appreciation for his contribution to the Antwerp Baroque.

Details about his life are scarce.

Number information about his artistic training is available. He became a master of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke in 1631-1632.

He is described in the register of the Guild as an illuminator, painter and engraver. Fruytiers" style is generally much closer to the refinement and delicacy of Anthony van Dyck than to the more monumental art of Rubens.

Fruytiers also painted large portraits like that of David Teniers the Younger and group or family portraits such as that of the three children of Rubens.

He made designs for prints included in devotional books and other religious prints by Antwerp engravers such as Cornelius Galle the Younger and Conraad Lauwers.

Achievements

• Fruytiers was an accomplished engraver and produced several portrait etchings such as those of the Capuchin Innocentius de Caltagirone and the mathematician and astronomer Govaert Wendelen.

Membership

Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke.

Connections

teacher:

Gualterus Gysaerts