Theodoor van Thulden

Background

Theodoor van Thulden was born on August 9, 1606 in 's-hertogenbosch, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. He was the son of the silversmith Jacob Gerits van Tulden and Heylwich van Meurs, and the eldest of nine childeren. He had seven brothers and one sister. His eldest brother Arnoult became a lawyer and notary. His second brother Geraert was a soldier. His third brother Peter was a monk and a priest. His fourth brother Franchoijs became a painter. His sister Anneken remained unmarried. A brother Hendrick died young. His youngest brothers Hendrick and Joannes were minors and pastors.

Education

During 1621 - 1622 van Thulden was a student of the portrait painter, Abraham Blyenberch in Antwerp.

Career

Theodoor joined St Luke in 1627. He is often believed to be a follower of Rubens, though this remains unsure and is based on a misunderstanding most presumably. What is for sure, he was strongly influenced by Rubens and they worked together for several times. A visit to France from 1631 to 1633 introduced the Mannerism that deeply affected Van Thulden's early works. At Fontainebleau he copied Primaticcio's and Nicolò dell'Abate's decorations. In 1635 he executed Rubens's designs for city decorations celebrating the triumphal entry of Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Spain.

Van Thulden was commissioned at least twice by Rubens for large projects in Antwerp. First between 1635 and 1642 for the Pompa Intoitus or “The Triumphal entry of of Cardinal-Infant Ferdinand of Austria as governor of the Southern Netherlands.” That would take until 1641 to complete. Second for the hunting lodge “Torre de la Parada” of Philips IV in Madrid. Despite his success - he was chosen as dean of the Antwerp Saint Luke Guild in 1639 and 1640 - van Thulden had financial problems. He left Antwerp in 1642 and moved to Oirschot in 1643 and to Den Bosch in 1646 - 1647. Van Thulden’s commissioners were amongst others the city of Antwerp, Den Bosch and the Dutch Royal House of Orange. Theodoor van Thulden died in ‘s-Hertogenbosch on July 12, 1669.

Achievements

• Van Thulden is known for his symbolism, emblemism and mythology to depict political, religious and civil sentiments.

Works

More photos

• painting

  • Discord Expels Art and Science

  • Time Reveals the Truth

  • Request of Brabant to Join the Staten

  • Penelope Announces Odyseus's Return

  • Josina Copes van Westrum and Her Children

  • Return of Peace

  • Odysseus Recognised by His Dog

  • Holy Man

  • The Greeks Leave after Fire of Troy

  • Venus and Adonis

  • Allegory of Virtue

  • Perseus Frees Andromeda

  • Odysseus Lands at Beach of Hades

  • The Justice of the High Court

  • Holy Franciscus Announces Birth of Son

  • Allegory of Justice and Peace

  • Francoise van Bever

  • The Unity and Justice

  • Holy Franciscus heals Giovanni di Carat

  • Scipio Africanus

  • Allegory United Province

  • Dutch Virgin and Frederik

  • Marthyrship of the Holy Barbara

  • Theodoor Flanders and Brabant honour Maria

  • Harmony and Marriage

  • Holy Trinity

  • Allegory of Vice

  • Minerva and Odysseus at Telemachus

Membership

• Saint Luke Guild

Connections

Theodoor married Maria van Balen in 1635, the daughter of the painter Hendrick van Balen and Margriet Biers. The couple had a daughter Maria Anna who died at young age.

Father:

Jacob Gerits van Tulden

Mother:

Heylwich van Meurs

Spouse:

Maria van Balen

Brother:

Arnoult van Tulden

Brother:

Geraert van Tulden

Brother:

Peter van Tulden

Brother:

Franchoij van Tulden

Sister:

Anneken van Tulden

Brother:

Hendrick van Tulden

Brother:

Joannes van Tulden

teacher:

Abraham Blyenberch

References

• Theodoor van thulden, un peintre baroque du cercle de rubens (exposition 1992)
  1992