The Life and Art of Robert van Audenaerde
Robert van Audenaerde was a Flemish painter, printmaker, etcher, copper engraver, draftsperson, and visual artist. Born in Ghent, Belgium, he began his artistic journey as a scholar of Francis van Mierhop before studying under Hans van Cleef. At the age of twenty-two, he traveled to Rome, where he became a disciple of Carlo Maratti. Under the guidance of Maratti, he developed into a painter of historical subjects. While he found success in painting, he also engaged in printmaking during his leisure time. His skill with the point was noted by Maratti, who recommended that he devote himself entirely to the art of engraving.
After an absence of thirty-seven years, he returned to his native city. His artistic legacy includes several works for local churches, such as an altar-piece in the church of the Carthusians at Ghent, depicting St. Peter appearing to a group of Monks of that order, and a picture in the church of St. James titled St. Catharine refusing to worship the False Gods. His works often reflect the style of Maratti.
Engravings and Subject Matter
Van Audenaerde's printmaking repertoire includes various portraits and subjects inspired by Italian masters. His engravings include:
His etchings and plates also cover diverse themes, such as Hagar and Ishmael in the desert, The Sacrifice of Abraham, Rebekah and the servant of Abraham, David with the head of Goliath, The Adoration of the Magi, The Flight into Egypt, and The Crucifixion. He also executed a series of ten plates titled The Triumph of Julius Caesar after A. Mantegna.
