Louis de Caullery (1580-1621) - Genre scene in an Aristocratic Interior

The painting is oil on copper measure cm. 27 x 23
Framed measure cm. 43 x 37

Gallant Scene in an Aristocratic Interior

Louis de Caullery was a Flemish painter known for his architectural scenes, urban views, genre scenes, allegorical compositions, and religious and historical paintings. He was one of the pioneers of the artistic genre of court gatherings and garden parties (fête champêtre) in Flemish painting.
Information on Louis de Caullery's life is scarce. He was probably born in Caulery, a small town on the Scheldt River, about 18 kilometers southeast of Cambrai, then located in the Habsburg Netherlands and now in France. A possible birthplace in Caulery is supported by the fact that his wife and children later inherited property in Cambrai. His name may therefore derive from his birthplace. In 1594, he was in Antwerp, where he was registered with the local Guild of Saint Luke as a pupil of the renowned Flemish landscape painter Joos de Momper. His name in the register was written "Loys Solleri." In 1602/03, he was registered as a master of the guild under the name "Lowis de Callory." In 1608, he had a pupil whose name has not been preserved. He married Maria Adriaenssens, with whom he had several children. It was previously believed that he traveled to Italy to further his studies, perhaps visiting Venice, Florence, and Rome. This hypothesis seemed to be supported by the fact that he painted various Italian subjects and by his rather innovative use of color compared to artists trained exclusively in Antwerp. It is now assumed, however, that he did not travel to Italy, as there is no evidence of such a trip. The Venetian, Florentine, and Romanesque buildings and landscapes present in his compositions are likely based on his knowledge of the works of masters who visited Italy.
He appears to have enjoyed considerable success, as evidenced by the fact that his works were part of numerous collections of the time. In 1621, his death taxes were paid to the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp. This time his name was written in the Guild register as 'Sollery of the Callery'. He therefore probably died in Antwerp in 1620 or 1621.