Joachim Wtewael

Joachim Wtewael painted in the elegant, artificial style known as Mannerism. His figures twist into elaborate poses, their bodies smooth and polished, their colours bright and jewel-like. Many of his best pictures are small paintings on copper, packed with detail.

He was born in Utrecht, trained there and in Haarlem, and spent about four years in Italy and France before returning home around 1592. He stayed in Utrecht for the rest of his life, where he was also a successful flax merchant and a town councillor. His subjects were mostly biblical and mythological, often with a playful sensuality. The Centraal Museum in Utrecht holds the largest collection; his Perseus and Andromeda is in the Louvre.

Jupiter and Danae and Cephalus and Procris show his polished finish. Look at the hands, faces and draperies, which he arranged with great care.