Jan van Wavere

Jan Van Wavere (? – 1521/22) was an influential Brabantine polychromer of late gothic Brabantine altarpieces (also called retables), mainly produced in the Brabantine towns of Antwerp, Brussels and Mechelen. During the 15th–16th century, over 1000 altarpieces were traded and exported to many European countries. More than 300 complete examples of Brabantine altarpieces can still be found in museums and churches all over Europe, from the Baltic countries (e.g. St. Nicholas' Church, Tallinn) down to Spain.

Life and work Little is known about his life. Jan van Wavere, who worked in Mechelen, was one of the few 16th century polychromers with sufficient reputation to sign his works. Altarpiece of Church of the Order of Teutonic Knights (Vienna, Austria) - Signature: "I. V. Wavere" - Date: 1520 St Dymphna reliquary placed on top of the Dymphna-altarpiece (Brussels, 1490–1500) in the church of St Dymphna (Gheel, Belgium) - Created in Mechelen - Executed in the workshop of Jan Borman in Brussels