Willem Isaacsz. van Swanenburg

Willem Isaacsz van Swanenburg (29 January 1580 – 31 May 1612), was a Dutch Golden Age engraver and the youngest son of Isaac van Swanenburg.^[1] Isaac van Swanenburg raised three sons who all became artists. Isaac van Swanenburg was also an artist who painted, designed prints, and created stained glass windows. The subject matter of his art included Biblical scenes, genre scenes, and portraits. He was also an illustrator for many books during his time.^[2]

Christ at Emmaus by Willem Isaacsz van Swanenburg

The Sailing Chariot, ca. 1603. Simon Stevin's invention of the wind car

The Judgment of Paris, c. 1609

Biography

Swanenburg was born in Leiden. He learned drawing and engraving from his father, together with his brothers Jacob (1572–1652) and Claes (1572–1652), who both became respected painters.^[1] According to Houbraken he was a respected engraver who became "Hopman" (flag-bearer) of the Leiden schutterij, but died young.^[3]

The anatomical theatre of Leiden University, early 17th century. Contemporary engraving by Willem Swanenburgh; drawing by Jan Cornelisz. van 't Woudt = Johannes Woudanus