Gerard David

Gerard David: A student of Memling and city painter in Bruges

Gerard David was born around 1460 in Oudewater near Gouda. He probably stayed in Italy between 1470 and 1480, where he met the masters of the Renaissance and absorbed their influences. He developed the style of his early work under the guidance of his teacher Aelbert van Ouwater (circa 1415–circa 1475) in Haarlem, as suggested also by references in his oldest surviving works to Haarlem masters such as Dierick Bouts (circa 1410/20–1475) and Geertgen tot Sint Jans (1465–1495). In 1483 David moved to Bruges, where he is recorded as a member of the Guild of St. Luke from 1484. He quickly established himself as a fixture in the city's art scene, and became the most important painter in Bruges and the official city painter after the death of his master Hans Memling (circa 1433/40–1494). David married Cornelia Cnoop, whose father was dean of the goldsmiths' guild, and had a daughter. In 1501, David himself was appointed head of the Guild of St. Luke.

A legal dispute between painters as historical evidence

Gerard David was considered extremely wealthy, which he owed partly to his marriage but also to the success of his art, and from 1507/08, was a member of the lay society Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van den Drugs Boom (Our Beloved Lady of the Dry Tree), whose members came from the ranks of society. He probably also tried to gain a foothold as a painter in Antwerp, as suggested by a "Meester Gheraert van Brugghe" who was documented as a member of the Antwerp painters' guild during this period. Despite his considerable influence, he was sentenced to prison in a trial: David's employee Ambrosius Benson (circa 1495–circa 1550) had sued his master for the return of his property, which he had withheld in order to force Benson to pay off his debts. The court sentenced Gerard David to a few days in prison and Benson to pay off the debts in David's workshop - these files on this trial are among the most important historical evidence of the practices in Bruges' painting workshops.

Religious scenes with a dreamy and timeless feel

Gerard David painted mainly religious scenes. He demonstrated innovative strength in his treatment of his traditional themes: the careful reproduction of details was accompanied by a warm atmosphere, which, in addition to the subtle colour scheme, was also responsible for the virtuoso management of light and shadow. The pictures have a great dignity as well as a dreamy warmth and a timeless appearance. Although Gerard David undoubtedly developed his own distinctive style, there are similarities and references to the work of Jan van Eyck (circa 1390-1441), Hugo van der Goes (circa 1435/40-1482) and Rogier van der Weyden (circa 1399/1400–1464). The unknown Master of the André Madonna was in turn very likely influenced by David - whether this moniker refers to a student or employee of David is disputed.

Gerard David died on 13th August 1523 in Bruges. He was buried in the Church of Our Lady in Bruges.