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Otto van Veen Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Otto van Veen our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Otto van Veen · 1556 – 1629

Distribution of Herring and White Bread during the Siege of Leiden

1574 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 40 x 60 cm

Experience 'Distribution of Herring & White Bread,' a captivating 1574 painting by Otto van Veen depicting the Leiden siege. A historical masterpiece showcasing community resilience during wartime.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18139 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22460 × 40 cm Commission at original size

The Artist Painting, Surrounded by his Family

1584 · The Louvre, Paris · original 176 x 250 cm

Witness a vibrant 16th-century scene of an artist surrounded by family life in Otto van Veen's masterpiece; discover this Renaissance moment for your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1468250 × 176 cm Commission at original size

The Last Supper

1592 · Onze-Lieve Vrouwekathedraal, Antwerp · original 350 x 2247 cm

Experience Otto van Veen's dramatic 'Last Supper' (1592), a masterpiece of Mannerism depicting Jesus’ final meal with his apostles. Explore its rich details and historical significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Nicolaas Rockox

Rubens House, Antwerp · original 26 x 35 cm

This Baroque portrait by Otto van Veen captures the thoughtful gaze of Nicolaas Rockox. Discover this masterpiece of Flemish art today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Emblem

1607 · Koninklijke Bibliotheek, The Hague

Explore Otto van Veen’s "Emblem" (1607) – a dramatic Baroque engraving showcasing grief & mortality. Detailed linework, rich symbolism, and masterful technique await!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20628 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

An unknown Flemish Family

1625

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Brinno Raised upon the Shield, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Witness Otto van Veen’s ‘Brinno Raised upon the Shield,’ a dynamic Baroque painting from 1613! Explore this historical scene of rebellion & heroic struggle, rich in color & detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$38137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$41152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Batavians Defeating the Romans on the Rhine, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Witness the dramatic Battle of the Batavians! Otto van Veen’s 1613 Baroque masterpiece depicts a pivotal Roman clash. Explore this stunning oil painting & its historical significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$23137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Peace Negotiations between Julius Civilis and the Roman General Cerialis, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

View the most popular artwork of Otto van Veen ranked #9: The Peace Negotiations between Julius Civilis and the Roman General Cerialis, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Explore 'Peace Negotiations' by Otto van Veen (1613). A Baroque masterpiece depicting Roman diplomacy. Discover this historical painting’s drama, symbolism & rich color palette.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$28137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$31152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Beheading of Claudius Paulus and the Capture of Julius Civilis, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

View the most popular artwork of Otto van Veen ranked #10: The Beheading of Claudius Paulus and the Capture of Julius Civilis, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Witness Otto van Veen’s dramatic ‘The Beheading of Claudius Paulus.’ A pivotal 1613 painting from the Batavier rebellion, showcasing historical intensity & Flemish Mannerist style.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Batavians Surround the Romans at Vetera, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Otto van Veen’s "Batavians Surround Romans" (1613) depicts a dramatic battle scene in Baroque style. Explore this powerful oil painting of the Batavian rebellion, showcasing intense emotion & historical detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$33137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$36152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Christ in the House of Mary and Martha

original 64 x 52 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25252 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Alonso de Idiaquez, 1st Duke of Ciudad Real

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20618 × 57 cm Commission this artwork

The Conference of the Gauls at Reims, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Juana de Robles, Duchess of Ciudad Real

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20618 × 57 cm Commission this artwork

Christ in the House of Mary and Martha

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

A Nocturnal Banquet, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Batavians Besiege the Roman Army Regiments at Vetera, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Valentinus Taken Prisoner, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Romans nearly Overpower the Army of Julius Civilis through the Treachery of a Batavian, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

View the most popular artwork of Otto van Veen ranked #20: The Romans nearly Overpower the Army of Julius Civilis through the Treachery of a Batavian, Otto van Veen, 1600 - 1613

1613 · original 38 x 52 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21152 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Allégorie (le Temps )

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30636 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Xantippe Dousing Socrates

1607

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20629 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Putti Enacting a Bacchanalian Scene

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Lycurgus Demonstrares the Importance of Education

1607

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$65629 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Dispute d'Athéna et de Poséïdon

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 74 artworks by Otto van Veen
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20635 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Otto van Veen

1556 – 1629

Quick facts

NationalityNetherlands
Lifespan73 years
Movementsbaroque
Art periodRenaissance
Also known asOttavio Venus, Othonius Vaenius, Otto van Venius, Otho Venius, Otho van Veen
Room fitliving room
Top 3 worksDistribution of Herring and White Bread during the Siege of Leiden, The Artist Painting, Surrounded by his Family, The Last Supper
Museums on APSThe Louvre, Rijksmuseum, Onze-Lieve Vrouwekathedraal, Rubens House, Koninklijke Bibliotheek

Biography

A Life Bridging Renaissance and Baroque: The World of Otto van Veen

Otto van Veen, a name resonating with the echoes of late 16th and early 17th-century artistry, occupies a fascinating position in art history. Born around 1556 in Leiden, Netherlands, into a family of prominence—his father served as burgomaster—Van Veen’s life was one of shifting allegiances and artistic evolution. The religious tensions gripping the Low Countries during his youth profoundly shaped his trajectory. The relocation of his family to Antwerp in 1572, driven by their Catholic faith amidst a rising tide of Protestantism, marked not just a geographical shift but also a turning point in his intellectual and artistic formation. This move brought him into contact with influential figures like Dominicus Lampsonius and Jean Ramée, laying the groundwork for a career steeped in humanist ideals and classical learning. His subsequent journey to Rome around 1574 or 1575 proved pivotal; immersing himself in the heart of the Italian Renaissance, he absorbed the stylistic nuances that would define his mature work—the elegance, the refined compositions, and the emphasis on idealized forms characteristic of Mannerism. The precise extent of his Roman tutelage remains debated, with some scholars suggesting a period under Federico Zuccari, but its impact is undeniable.

Patronage, Pedagogy, and the Shaping of a Master

Upon returning from Italy, Van Veen swiftly established himself as a sought-after artist. His talent secured him a position as court painter to Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, governor of the Southern Netherlands, in Brussels. This patronage provided not only financial stability but also access to a sophisticated artistic milieu and opportunities for large-scale commissions. He became a master within Antwerp’s Guild of St. Luke in 1593, solidifying his professional standing. However, Van Veen's legacy extends far beyond his own paintings; it is inextricably linked to the career of one of art history’s most celebrated masters: Peter Paul Rubens. From approximately 1594 or 1595 until 1598, Van Veen served as Rubens’ teacher, instilling in the young artist a rigorous classical education and a deep appreciation for humanist principles. This mentorship was crucial in shaping Rubens' intellectual framework and artistic sensibilities, laying the foundation for his future triumphs. Van Veen didn’t merely impart technical skills; he cultivated a worldview that emphasized the integration of art, literature, and philosophy—a hallmark of Rubens’ own prolific output. During this period, Van Veen also undertook numerous religious commissions, adorning churches with altarpieces and chapels, demonstrating his versatility and growing reputation as a skilled and reliable artist.

Mannerist Sensibility and the Language of Emblems

Van Veen’s artistic style is firmly rooted in Mannerism, an aesthetic characterized by elongated figures, graceful poses, sophisticated compositions, and a refined palette. His paintings often exude an air of elegance and intellectual contemplation. He was known as a *pictor doctus* – a learned painter – and this designation reflects his commitment to incorporating humanist themes into his work. Beyond painting, Van Veen made significant contributions to the burgeoning field of emblem books—a popular genre that combined images with text to convey moral and philosophical messages. His *Quinti Horatii Flacci Emblemata* (1607), *Amorum Emblemata* (1608), and *Amoris Divini Emblemata* (1615) are prime examples of this form, showcasing his skill as both an artist and a scholar. The *Amorum Emblemata*, in particular, achieved widespread influence, serving as a model for subsequent emblem books and inspiring artists across various disciplines. Its depictions of putti enacting scenes from classical literature and mythology, accompanied by witty mottos, captured the spirit of Renaissance humanism and its fascination with love—both earthly and divine.

Later Years and Enduring Influence

Even as artistic tastes began to shift towards the dynamism of the Baroque, Van Veen continued to thrive. He maintained connections with the Archdukes Albert and Isabella, though without holding a formal court appointment. A significant undertaking during this period was a series of twelve paintings depicting battles between Romans and Batavians, commissioned by the Dutch States General based on earlier engravings he had produced. This project demonstrates his ability to adapt to changing political landscapes and cater to diverse artistic demands. Throughout his career, Van Veen remained actively involved in Antwerp’s artistic community, serving as dean of both the Guild of St. Luke (1602) and the Romanists (1606). He came from a family with considerable artistic talent; his brother Gijsbert was an accomplished engraver, his daughter Gertruid also pursued painting, and several nephews worked as pastel artists. Otto van Veen died in Brussels in 1629, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond his own oeuvre. Arnold Houbraken, the renowned Dutch art historian, recognized him as the most impressive artist and scholar of his time, even featuring his portrait on the title page of his influential *De Groote Schouburgh der Nederlantsche Konstschilders en Schildersessen*. His enduring significance lies not only in his own artistic achievements but also in his pivotal role as a teacher and mentor—most notably to Peter Paul Rubens—and his contribution to the intellectual and artistic currents of his era. He stands as a compelling figure, bridging the gap between the Renaissance and Baroque periods, embodying the ideals of the humanist artist, and leaving an indelible mark on the history of Flemish painting.

Questions & Answers

Can I explore Otto van Veen's works by keyword?

The By Keywords page of Otto van Veen groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

Where can I see Otto van Veen's artworks in a 3D gallery?

Otto van Veen's artworks can be seen in a 3D gallery on the artist's 3D Museum page.

What other names is Otto van Veen known by?

Otto van Veen appears under the alternate names Ottavio Venus, Othonius Vaenius, Otto van Venius, Otho Venius, Otho van Veen.

By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Aug. 14, 2026

Collector's quiz

Otto van Veen is most known for being the teacher of which famous artist?
In what city was Otto van Veen born around 1556?
What artistic style is most characteristic of Otto van Veen’s work?
Besides painting, what other type of publication did Otto van Veen create that contributed to his legacy?
What position did Otto van Veen hold for Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma?

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