Alexander Casteels the Elder

Alexander Casteels the Elder or Alexander Casteels (I) ( – 1681–82) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman. He is known for his battle scenes and landscapes with hunters and elegant companies.

Life Casteels was born in Antwerp. His date of birth likely fell in the period from 1634 to 1636.

He married Catharina Theresia de Poorter. The couple had a son called Josephus Franciscus Casteels.

He died in Antwerp between 18 September 1681 and 18 September 1682 since his death duties were paid to the Guild during that period. He also often painted the then popular theme of the battle between Christians and Turks, two examples of which are in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The son of the founder of the Forchondt firm who was living in Vienna specifically requested for small and large-scale battle scenes by Alexander and that of another battle painter active in Antwerp called Pauwels Casteels, possibly a family member, to be sent to Vienna as there was a strong demand for their battle scenes in Central and Eastern Europe.