The Danish-born painter of Dutch descent Pieter Isaacsz
(1569-1625) represents one of the more colourful figures of early
modern art history. He is chiefly known today as a court painter in
the service of King Christian IV of Denmark, but he is perhaps even
more extraordinary as an art trader, agent of the Dutch States
General, and spy in the service of Denmark’s arch-enemy, the
Swedish Realm.
Moreover, Pieter Isaacsz introduced several Netherlandish
artists to the Danish court. As a result of his efforts,
Pieter Lastman, Adriaen van Nieulandt, Werner van der Valckert and
others received assignments from King Christian, making Pieter
Isaacsz a bridge builder between the Dutch Republic and
Denmark.
In sixteen in-depth articles, the authors explore his travels
with Hans von Aachen, his years in Rome, Amsterdam and later at the
Danish court, his network including Karel van Mander and Hans
Vredeman de Vries, the characteristics of his work, his role in
international politics, and more.
This richly illustrated publication, including an innovative
catalogue, contains contributions from Danish, Dutch, German and
American scholars, casting a new light on Pieter Isaacsz as the
artist of many merits, while at the same time offering a unique
insight into Northern European relations in art around 1600.
Steffen Heiberg (1945) is director of research at the Museum
of National History at Frederiksborg Castle. He is the author of
several books on early modern Danish history and culture,
including Christian 4. (1988, rev. ed. 2006),
Enhjørningen Corfitz Ulfeldt (1993), and Danske
Portrætter (2003).
Badeloch Noldus (1970) is senior researcher at the Museum of
National History at Frederiksborg Castle. Her publications
include Trade in Good Taste. Relations in Architecture and
Culture between the Dutch Republic and the Baltic World in the
Seventeenth Century (Brepols 2004) and Your Humble
Servant. Agents in Early Modern Europe (Verloren
2006).
Juliette Roding (1953) is lecturer in architectural history
and scientific coordinator of Pallas, Institute for Art Historical
and Literary Studies at Leiden University. She has published
widely on Dutch-Danish relations in early
modern times, including, with M. Stompé,
Pieter Isaacsz (1569-1625). Een Nederlands schilder,
kunsthandelaar en diplomaat aan het Deense hof (1569-1625)
(Verloren 1997).