Denijs Calvaert

Denijs Calvaert was an artist active during the mid-sixteenth century, with a documented career spanning the years 1535 to 1574. While the total scope of his artistic production is not fully known, five key drawings are represented in major public holdings, serving as foundational examples of his draftsmanship.

These drawings, currently preserved in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, demonstrate Calvaert’s proficiency in figural studies and preparatory sketches. His output includes religious subjects, such as the composition The Resurrection of Christ, and detailed studies of the human form, including Kneeling Monk, Seated Monk, and Standing Male Nude.

A particularly notable piece is the double-sided sheet, A Winged Putto Riding a Sea Horse and a Lion (recto); The Three Graces (verso), which illustrates his engagement with classical and allegorical motifs. These individual drawings are considered museum-quality examples of mid-16th century European art.

The existence of these pieces in established institutions ensures the preservation of Denijs Calvaert’s legacy. As his work is in the public domain, the Metropolitan Museum of Art provides access to high-quality prints and downloadable artwork. Reproductions of Denijs Calvaert prints are thus widely utilized by researchers and artists studying the period.