Bartholomeus Spranger: The Court Painter of Eroticism and Majesty Bartholomäus Spranger (1546-1611), a name that resonates through the halls of Northern Mannerism, was more than just a painter; he was a pivotal figure in shaping artistic sensibilities during his time. Born in Antwerp, the son of a merchant with extensive travels, Spranger’s early life hinted at a future steeped in art and foreign influences. His initial training under Jan Mandijn, Frans Mostaert, and Cornelis van Dalem provided him with a solid foundation in landscape painting – a surprising starting point for an artist who…