Frans Snyders Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Frans Snyders was born in Antwerp on 11 November 1579. A Flemish Baroque painter, his art is characterized above all by the representation of animals engaged in battle or in hunting scenes, as well as still lifes, markets and pantries. Read the full biography

Frans Snyders was born in Antwerp on 11 November 1579. A Flemish Baroque painter, his art is characterized above all by the representation of animals engaged in battle or in hunting scenes, as well as still lifes, markets and pantries. Acclaimed for his mastery of capturing the play of light that animated animal fur and feathers, Snyders was one of the protagonists of an influential group of artist friends who transformed Antwerp from a financial city to a cultural center.
Snyders began his studies with Pieter Brueghel the Younger, but his style was influenced by the art of Jan Brueghel's younger brother. In 1602, the artist became master in the guild of San Luca. Later, like many other Flemish artists of the time, Snyders visited Italy, where he stayed for several months between 1608 and 1609 in Rome and then in Milan. Returning to Antwerp, he began a long professional collaboration with Peter Paul Rubens. His drawing was precise and vigorous and his sense of color bold and expressive. Snyders was appointed court painter to Albert VII, Archduke of Austria and sovereign prince of the Netherlands, for whom he created some of his best works. Snyders died in Antwerp on 19 August 1657.