Quentin Matsys

For his grandson, the Elizabethan painter, see Quentin Metsys the Younger.
Quentin Matsys
Quentin Matsys, engraved by Johannes Wierix with Dominicus Lampsonius' poem about how Matsys' girlfriend preferred the quiet paintbrush to the heavy noise of hammering
Born1466 (1466)
Leuven, Duchy of Brabant
Died1530 (aged 63–64)
Antwerp, Duchy of Brabant
Other names
  • Quentin Massys
  • Quentin Metsys
  • Kwinten Matsys
  • Quinten Matsijs
Known forReligious and satirical portraits
Notable workThe Ugly Duchess
MovementAntwerp School

Quentin Matsys (UK: /ˈmætsaɪs/ MAT-sysse, US: /ˈmɑːtsaɪs/ MAHT-sysse; also Massys or Metsys; Flemish: Quinten Matsijs [ˈkʋɪntə ˈmɑtsɛis]; 1466–1530) was a Flemish painter in the Early Netherlandish tradition. He was born in Leuven. According to tradition, he trained as an ironsmith before becoming a painter. Matsys was active in Antwerp for over 20 years, creating numerous works with religious roots and satirical tendencies. He is regarded as the founder of the Antwerp school of painting, which became the leading school of painting in Flanders in the 16th century. He introduced new techniques and motifs as well as moralising subjects without completely breaking with tradition.


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