Willem Basse

Willem Basse was a printmaker active across the early 17th century, with his documented artistic activity spanning the years 1613 through 1632. Basse’s surviving oeuvre demonstrates versatility in subject matter, encompassing genre scenes, religious narratives, and mythological themes popular in the period.

His known works focus primarily on printmaking, utilizing techniques to capture both intimate scenes of daily life and complex figure compositions. Notable examples from his output include the genre study A Cooper and Peasant Couple Sitting under a Tree. Simultaneously, Basse explored classical and mythological themes, evidenced by the companion pieces Bacchanal with a Dancing Couple in the Center and Bacchanal with a Dancing Couple on the Right. He also addressed Biblical subjects, such as The Flight into Egypt.

Fifteen of Willem Basse’s prints are represented in major international collections, establishing the historical importance of his work. These museum-quality examples are held at prominent institutions, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Today, many Willem Basse prints are digitized and placed in the public domain, offering access to high-quality prints for study and preservation.