Births on February 10

Cornelis de Bie, Flemish poet ann jurist (d. 1715)

Cornelis de Bie (born 10 February 1627, died approximately 1712–1715) was a prominent figure from Lier, Flanders, celebrated for his multifaceted talents as a rederijker, poet, jurist, and even a minor politician. While his extensive body of work includes numerous comedies, he is predominantly recognized today for his monumental contribution to art history: Het Gulden Cabinet der Edel Vry Schilderconst (The Golden Cabinet of the Honourable Free Art of Painting), first published in 1662.

A Multitalented Figure of 17th-Century Flanders

Born in the vibrant cultural landscape of 17th-century Flanders, Cornelis de Bie embodied the intellectual curiosity and artistic spirit of his era. His designation as a "rederijker" points to his membership in a Chamber of Rhetoric, influential literary and dramatic societies that flourished in the Low Countries. These chambers, often civic-sponsored, played a vital role in local cultural life, organizing poetry contests, theatrical performances, and fostering literary talent. As a rederijker, de Bie was not merely a poet but also an orator and playwright, deeply involved in the public dissemination of culture. His skills extended to the legal profession as a jurist and, at times, into public service as a minor politician in his hometown of Lier, illustrating a breadth of engagement typical of educated individuals of the period.

Extensive Literary Contributions Beyond Art History

Beyond his foundational work in art history, Cornelis de Bie was a remarkably prolific author, credited with approximately 64 literary works. The majority of these were comedies, reflecting the popular theatrical tastes of the time. These plays, often moralistic or satirical in nature, were designed for performance by the Chambers of Rhetoric and contributed significantly to the vernacular literature of the Low Countries. While less studied internationally today compared to his art historical compendium, these dramatic works firmly establish de Bie as an important voice in 17th-century Flemish literature.

Het Gulden Cabinet: A Cornerstone of Art Historiography

Cornelis de Bie's enduring international fame rests almost entirely on his magnum opus, Het Gulden Cabinet der Edel Vry Schilderconst, first unveiled to the world in 1662. This meticulously compiled work stands as an invaluable source for the study of 17th-century Flemish and Dutch art. Its title, "The Golden Cabinet of the Honourable Free Art of Painting," itself reflects the elevated status artists were increasingly achieving during the Golden Age of Dutch and Flemish painting. The term "cabinet" traditionally referred to a room for displaying art and curiosities, perfectly encapsulating the book's purpose as a collection of artistic treasures.

The book’s primary content comprises detailed biographical sketches of over 500 painters, including celebrated masters like Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens, and numerous lesser-known artists whose lives and works might otherwise be lost to history. De Bie's accounts often include anecdotes, descriptions of painting styles, and information about the artists' careers and patrons. Critically, Het Gulden Cabinet provided a comprehensive overview of the artistic landscape of the Low Countries, preserving crucial information about artists from various cities and schools, thereby shaping the historical narrative of the period.

Legacy and Influence

Het Gulden Cabinet is considered a foundational text in art historiography, following in the footsteps of Karel van Mander’s earlier Schilder-boeck (Book of Painters) from 1604, but offering a more contemporary and expansive view of artists active in the mid-17th century. De Bie's work not only served as a biographical dictionary but also as an important promotional tool for the arts, highlighting the achievements of Flemish and Dutch masters to a wider audience. Its impact reverberated through subsequent generations of art historians, solidifying its place as a quintessential reference for understanding the lives and legacies of artists from this exceptionally fertile period in European art.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornelis de Bie and Het Gulden Cabinet

Who was Cornelis de Bie?

Cornelis de Bie (1627–c.1712-1715) was a versatile Flemish figure from Lier, known as a rederijker, poet, jurist, and politician. He is most famous for his art historical work, Het Gulden Cabinet der Edel Vry Schilderconst.

What is a "rederijker"?

A rederijker was a member of a "Chamber of Rhetoric," a literary and dramatic society in the Low Countries that organized cultural events, theatrical performances, and poetry competitions during the 15th to 18th centuries.

What is Het Gulden Cabinet der Edel Vry Schilderconst?

Published in 1662, this monumental work by Cornelis de Bie is an essential art historical compendium. It contains extensive biographical sketches of over 500 Flemish and Dutch painters, offering invaluable insights into their lives, works, and the art scene of the 17th century. Its English translation is "The Golden Cabinet of the Honourable Free Art of Painting."

Why is Het Gulden Cabinet significant?

It is considered a cornerstone of art historiography. The book preserved detailed information about a vast number of artists, many of whom might otherwise be unknown today, and helped to solidify the reputation and historical understanding of Flemish and Dutch Golden Age painting.

Did Cornelis de Bie write other works?

Yes, he was a prolific author with around 64 works, primarily comedies, demonstrating his significant contribution to 17th-century Flemish literature beyond his renowned art historical text.