Pieter van Sompel

Pieter van Sompel was a graphic artist active in the early to mid-17th century, with his documented career spanning the years 1600 through 1644. He is recognized exclusively for his output as a printmaker, whose works encompass portraiture, historical subjects, and classical mythology.

Sompel's known oeuvre includes portraits of European nobility, notably Ferdinand II and Eleanora, Wife of Ferdinand II. His engagement with classical themes is evidenced by pieces such as Ixion Deceived by Juno (also recorded as the related Dutch title Ixion misleid door Juno en Jupiter) and Erichthonius in His Basket.

Thirteen of Pieter van Sompel’s high-quality prints are represented in major international museum collections, confirming his role within the 17th-century printmaking tradition. These museum-quality works are preserved in significant institutions, including the Rijksmuseum, the National Gallery of Art, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Dating from the 17th century, many of these Pieter van Sompel prints are now in the public domain, making them valuable resources for historical study and appreciation.