Timeline · 1590–1599

The 1590s

The 1590s (1590–1599) fall within the High Renaissance maturing into the restless elegance of Mannerism. Across these years the gallery holds 2,158 public-domain artworks, with Renaissance the decade's dominant movement (1,149 works) and Joris Hoefnagel among its most prolific hands.

Exemplar works

Movements active in the 1590s

Looking for named art-historical periods instead? Browse periods.

Artists active in the 1590s

Artists born in the 1590s

On this decade

1593 Born

Born this day: Georges de La Tour

Georges de La Tour, a French Baroque painter, was born on March 13, 1593. He is known for his religious chiaroscuro scenes lit by candlelight, showcasing his unique observation of…

He is now recognized as one of the most original painters of his time, inspiring writers and artists alike.

What else happened that day

1599 Born

Born this day: Anthony van Dyck

Anthony van Dyck, a Flemish Baroque artist, was born on March 22, 1599. He became the leading court painter in England, known for his portraits that captured the essence of his…

Van Dyck's portraits continue to be celebrated for their masterful depiction of elegance and refinement.

What else happened that day

1596 Born

Born this day: Jan van Goyen

Jan van Goyen, a Dutch landscape painter, was born on January 13, 1596. He is known for his broad range of landscape subjects, including forest, marine, and cityscapes. Van…

Jan van Goyen's influential body of work has left a lasting impact on the development of landscape painting.

What else happened that day

1598 Died

Died this day: Scipione Pulzone

Scipione Pulzone, a Neapolitan painter of the late Italian Renaissance, died on this day in 1598. Known for his distinctive portraits, he worked primarily in Rome, Naples, and…

Scipione Pulzone's portraits continue to be celebrated for their unique blend of realism and Renaissance elegance.

What else happened that day

1593 Born

Born this day: Jacob Jordaens

Born on May 19, 1593, Jacob Jordaens was a Flemish painter, draughtsman, and designer known for his biblical, mythological, and allegorical compositions, as well as genre scenes…

Jacob Jordaens' distinctive style, characterized by a more down-to-earth approach, continues to influence the art world.

What else happened that day

1599 Born

Born this day: Diego Velázquez

Diego Velázquez, a renowned Spanish Baroque painter, was born on June 6, 1599. He is celebrated for his captivating and nuanced works, including Las Meninas, which exemplify his…

Velázquez is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in the history of Western art.

What else happened that day

1596 Born

Born this day: Abraham van Diepenbeeck

Abraham van Diepenbeeck, a Dutch painter and designer, was born on May 9, 1596. He worked in various mediums, including painting, printmaking, and tapestry design, and was…

Van Diepenbeeck's collaborations and designs remain a significant part of Flemish Baroque art history.

What else happened that day

1596 Born

Born this day: Peter Wtewael

Peter Wtewael, a Dutch artist born on June 5, 1596, is known for his contributions to the Dutch Golden Age of painting, with works like 'Kitchen Scene' and 'The Denial of Peter'…

He remains a notable figure in Dutch art history for his detailed and intimate paintings.

What else happened that day

1590 Born

Born this day: Simon Vouet

Simon Vouet, born on January 9, 1590, was a French painter who introduced the Italian Baroque style to France, creating influential works in various mediums, including paintings…

Simon Vouet's work remains a cornerstone of French Baroque art, continuing to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

What else happened that day

1591 Born

Born this day: Guercino

Guercino, born Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, was a prominent Italian Baroque painter and draftsman known for his contrasting styles, from vigorous naturalism to classical…

Guercino's contributions to the Baroque period remain significant, influencing the development of European art.

What else happened that day

1592 Born

Born this day: Gerard van Honthorst

Gerard van Honthorst, a Dutch Golden Age painter, was born on November 4, 1592. He is known for his depiction of artificially lit scenes, earning him the nickname 'Gerard of the…

Van Honthorst's innovative use of light in his paintings continues to influence artists today.

What else happened that day

1599 Born

Born this day: Andrea Sacchi

Andrea Sacchi, born on November 30, 1599, was a prominent Italian painter of High Baroque Classicism, active in Rome, known for works like Marcantonio Pasqualini Crowned by Apollo…

Andrea Sacchi's classical and harmonious style continues to influence the development of European art.

What else happened that day