Hendrick van Balen the Elder

Hendrick van Balen the Elder, born in 1575 in Antwerp and died in 1632 in Antwerp, was a Flemish painter known for his religious and mythological scenes. His works, such as 'The Adoration of the Shepherds' and 'The Feast of the Gods,' are admired for their elegant compositions and use of color, capturing the essence of Baroque spirituality and mythology. Influenced by the Flemish Baroque tradition and his contemporary Peter Paul Rubens, Van Balen's technique involved a refined and atmospheric approach to composition and color, conveying the grace and drama of his subjects. His career was marked by his ability to depict the elegance and harmony of his era, making him a celebrated figure in late 16th and early 17th-century Flemish painting.