The Life and Art of Jacob de Formentrou
Jacob de Formentrou was a Flemish Baroque painter active in Antwerp. During the years 1640-1641, he was recorded as a pupil in the records of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke, later becoming a master of the Guild. His artistic output focused on the genres of merry companies and gallery paintings. His known works include depictions of groups of people enjoying themselves, such as Elegant company on a terrace and Playing Backgammon, as well as interior scenes of art collections.
One of his most significant contributions to the genre of gallery paintings is the Cabinet of Pictures, currently held in the Royal Collection, London. This work depicts a room filled with paintings and populated by human figures, often interpreted as art connoisseurs. The composition features various works by leading artists of his generation, including portraits of Rubens and van Dyck. While some scholars suggest the work is a collaboration with Erasmus Quellinus II, others believe it involves a larger group of artists.
