Pierre Firens

Pierre Firens was a printmaker known to be active around 1600. The surviving documented works attributed to Firens demonstrate proficiency in the creation of detailed engravings, primarily focusing on scientific illustration and religious iconography.

Eleven prints by Firens are represented in institutional collections. The subject matter indicates a significant focus on natural history studies, characterized by precise depictions of marine and freshwater fauna. This emphasis is evident in major works held by the Rijksmuseum, including detailed sheets such as Bokvis, baars, grondel en een onbekende vis, Drie karpers, and Geep, zeenaald, aal en een paling. These naturalistic representations stand alongside religious works, exemplified by the print Christus als Man van Smarten.

The collection of Pierre Firens prints held by the Rijksmuseum confirms the historical relevance of his output during the early seventeenth century. Today, due to the age and documentation of the work, many of these historical images are available as high-quality prints, often serving as museum-quality examples of early scientific illustration and printmaking techniques.