VREDEMAN DE VRIES, Paul

Netherlandish painter and draftsman, son of the Dutch-born architect, painter and engineer Hans Vredeman de Vries who at the time was working in the Southern Netherlands. He trained with his father who was interested in perspective and painted mainly architectural paintings. He is known to have collaborated with his father in the completion of large assignments.

He worked in Danzig (now Gdansk) from 1592 to 1595 where his father was employed in the design of defensive works. He worked in Prague from 1596 to 1599 where he painted the ceilings and the reception rooms of Emperor Rudolf II’s castle. He was active in Amsterdam from 1599 to 1617. There is a record of a notice of marriage between him and Mayken Godelet issued in Amsterdam and dated 24 April 1601.

He specialised in architectural paintings and, in particular, imaginary church interiors and palaces. His paintings show a meticulous attention to perspective. He was also active as an engraver. He contributed to his father’s architectural treatise entitled ‘Architectura’ which was published in 1606. He also made the engravings for a set entitled ‘Verscheyden Schrynwerck als Portalen, Kleerkassen, Buffeten’ (Various woodwork for porches, wardrobes and cupboards), published in 1630. These designs for beds, buffets, cabinets and interior porches in Louis XIII-style would influence Dutch interior design well into the second half of the 17th century.

He collaborated with other artists such as Frans Francken II, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Dirck de Quade van Ravesteyn (while in Prague), Pieter-Franz Isaaksz and Adriaen van Nieulandt (in Amsterdam).

His older brother Salomon Vredeman de Vries (1556-1604) was also an architectural draughtsmen and painter who collaborated with him and their father.