BROECK, Crispin van den
Flemish painter and draftsman. He came from a family of artists, was probably trained by his father, and was the brother of the sculptor Willem van den Broeck (1530-1580) and the painter Hendrick van den Broeck (c. 1530-c. 1597). He worked as a painter, draftsman and engraver.
Leaving his hometown, Mechelen, he moved to Antwerp where he joined the workshop of Frans Floris. Their collaboration lasted until the master’s death. He was enlisted as a master in the Guild of St. Luke of Antwerp in 1555-56. He became a citizen in 1559. He presumably spent some time in Italy in the 1550s.
His activity as a draftsman and illustrator exceeded the efforts he devoted to painting. From 1556, but mainly after 1570, he was frequently employed by Christophe Plantin (1520-1589), the famous Antwerp book printer and publisher. The praises he received for his work as an illustrator from his contemporary Karel van Mander are justified by his numerous drawings as well as prints made after them. He was especially talented in rendering themes with great psychological authenticity.
