Cornelis de Bie was a Brabantian lawyer and Flemish baroque poet and rhetorician who hailed from a family of artists in Lier, present-day Belgium, where he was born in 1627. His father, Adriaan de Bie, was a painter, and his brother, Jan de Bie, was a painter and engraver. Cornelis was not only involved in the legal profession but also deeply immersed in the cultural and artistic life of his time.
De Bie's literary career is marked by his major work, 'Het Gulden Cabinet' (The Golden Cabinet), published in 1662. This comprehensive anthology of biographies provided an extensive survey of Southern Netherlandish artists, combining both historical and fictional elements. De Bie's work is valued not only for its contribution to the history of art but also for its literary qualities and the insight it provides into the cultural milieu of the 17th century.
Although primarily known for his literary contributions, de Bie was also active in the local government of Lier, where he served as town clerk for many years. His legal background and civic duties did not prevent him from pursuing his interest in the arts. He was a member of the local chamber of rhetoric 'De Violieren' (The Violets), which was connected to the Guild of Saint Luke, an association of artists and craftsmen.
Cornelis de Bie's death occurred in 1715. Despite his death, his legacy endures through 'Het Gulden Cabinet', which remains a significant source for art historians studying the Flemish Baroque period. His efforts to document and celebrate his contemporaries have made him an important figure in the historiography of Netherlandish art.
