Artus Quellinus – Sculptor of Amsterdam

Artus Quellinus the Elder (1609–1668), the masterful sculptor from Antwerp, is inextricably associated with the city of Amsterdam. Initially influenced by Rubens, during his studies in Rome he developed a classically inspired Baroque style with which he caused international furore upon his return to the Low Countries. In 1650 Quellinus received the prestigious commission to produce the imposing sculptural decoration for the new Amsterdam town hall (now the Royal Palace). For the next fifteen years he headed a large workshop on the Keizergracht in the realization of this massive sculptural undertaking. Thanks in no small part to Quellinus’s overwhelming sculptures, the new town hall was dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ by his contemporaries. Other of his sculptures in marble, bronze, ivory, terracotta and wood also attest to his extraordinary talent and great versatility.