Franciscus Hamers

Franciscus Hamers or Frans Hamers (Antwerp, c. 1657/59 – Antwerp, after 1679) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman. He is known for his Italianate landscapes with hunters. Due to their closeness to the work of the Flemish painter Simon Johannes van Douw, his work was initially attributed to an anonymous artist who was given the notname Pseudo-Van Douw.

Life Very little is known about Hamers. He was likely born in Antwerp around 1657/1659. He may possibly be identified with the person referred to in the Guild register as Capiteyn Hamers. The fact that he was referred to as Capiteyn (captain) likely means that he was a member of the Antwerp civil militia, a so-called schutterij. His identification with Capiteyn Hamers is not conclusive as there was another Antwerp painter by the name of Melchior Hamers who was also a captain of the militia and the reference in the guild records may have been to this artist.

Hamers' subject matter is mainly Italianate landscapes with hunters.