La Dynastie Francken

Exhibition at the Musée départemental de Flandre, Cassel (France), 4 September, 2021 - 2 January, 2022

From the end of the 16th century until the middle of the 17th century, the name Francken was associated with the dynamism of Antwerp's art scene. No less than five generations of painters followed one another, establishing a veritable dynasty. Today, one name stands out, that of Frans II Francken (1581-1642), a singular and erudite artist to whom we owe new painted representations, such as the famous art galleries, and heir to his father, Frans I, and his two uncles Hieronymus I and Ambrosius I, who surprised the public at the time with their monumental altarpieces with an Italianate style.
This exhibition catalogue highlights the very close artistic ties within the family clan and the collaborations encouraged by Frans II, which led to an abundant production whose models flooded the market.