Erasmus II Quellin, also known as Erasmus Quellinus the Younger, was a prominent Flemish Baroque painter and draughtsman. Born in Antwerp, 1607, into a family of artists, Quellin was the son of the sculptor Erasmus Quellin the Elder and the brother of the painter Artus Quellin. He initially trained with his father, which grounded his artistic skills in the family's sculptural tradition. Later, he became a pupil of the renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens, who had a significant influence on his stylistic development. His apprenticeship under Rubens lasted until about 1634, after which Quellin started his own workshop.
Quellin's works are characterized by their dynamic compositions, rich color palettes, and a striking blend of realism and idealism, features that he inherited from Rubens's influence. He was versatile in his subject matter, which ranged from mythological and historical scenes to religious works and portraits. Quellin was not only a successful painter but also contributed to decorative projects, such as the decoration of the Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.
He was active in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke, becoming its deacon in 1640. Quellin also worked on various commissions for churches and other institutions, both in the Southern Netherlands and abroad. His style evolved over the years, and he was known for adapting his techniques to suit the tastes and expectations of his patrons, which often involved incorporating elements of the Italian Baroque that he assimilated through the study of engravings and prints.
Apart from his painting career, Quellin was also a teacher, and his workshop trained several notable artists who would go on to make their marks in the art world. He had a successful career and enjoyed considerable fame during his lifetime. Erasmus II Quellin died in Antwerp on November 7, 1678. His legacy continued through the works of his pupils and through the lasting influence he had on the Flemish art scene.
