Study of a Gnarled Tree, Paulus Willemsz. van Vianen, c. 1603

brush, h 120mm × w 192mm More details

Paulus van Vianen was appointed ‘Kammergoldschmied’ (court goldsmith) by Emperor Rudolf II in Prague, in 1603. The Utrecht native was not only a phenomenal silversmith but also a gifted draughtsman. Encouraged by his patron to observe raw nature, Van Vianen ventured far and wide. He regularly used the studies he made outdoors to decorate his silver plaques and bowls.