17^th Century Flemish

Painter of mythological works, religious subjects, hunting scenes, portraits, animated landscapes, landscapes and townscapes.

The father of Jeremias Wildens and pupil of Pieter Verhulst, in 1604 he entered the Guild of Saint Luke of Antwerp as a master.

His trip to Italy in 1614 and his knowledge of the work of Paul Brill led to a profound transformation of his archaic mannerist landscapes, now permeated by and featuring a more serene, ornamental and elegant landscape.

Back in Antwerp (1616), he started to collaborate with Rubens in landscapes and in the backgrounds of the master’s history paintings. The relationship grew into friendship, and although he would never adopt the vehemence of Rubens’ compositions, the influence of the master may be perceived in his technique and subject matters. He also made background landscapes for other painters, including Jacob Jordaens, David Teniers and Frans Snyders, a specialisation that encouraged him to create his own individual compositions.

His landscapes were made into prints by Hendrik Hondius, Jacob Matham and Andries Stock.