Meinert Gelijs

Meinert Gelijs was an artist and designer active in the early 17th century, with a documented working period spanning from 1605 through 1622. Gelijs’s practice centered on the production of graphic works, primarily published in book format; records indicate a documented output of 13 books during his active years.

Gelijs specialized in the creation of ornamental and functional patterns intended for applied arts. This focus is exemplified by the series of plates preserved in museum collections from the work Grateske voer golt smeden Schrijnwerkers Ende andere des nodich hebbende. The title, translating to patterns for goldsmiths, carpenters, and others who require them, establishes Gelijs as a vital source for reproducible design templates used by European craftsmen during the Baroque period.

The graphic works of Meinert Gelijs are represented in major institutions, demonstrating their historical and artistic significance. Examples of his designs are held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These prints are often available in the public domain, offering historians and enthusiasts access to high-quality prints and downloadable artwork essential for understanding early 17th-century decorative design.