Lucas Gassel

Lucas Gassel or Lucas van Gassel (Deurne, c. 1485 – Brussels, 1568 or 1569) was a Flemish Renaissance painter and draughtsman known for his landscapes. He helped further develop and modernize the landscape tradition in Flanders. He also designed prints which were published by the Antwerp publisher Hieronymus Cock.

Life Little is known about his life. Born in Deurne, Netherlands, Gassel is believed to have moved to Antwerp before 1520. Here he received his artistic training. Historiographical tradition links him to the artistic milieu of Brussels, a city which he is assumed to have moved to. The influences visible in his work link him much more to the Antwerp school of painting. On the other hand, his frequent depictions of scenes at the court point to a possible stay in Brussels where the court was located. Work Episodes from the story of David and BathshebaHis earliest work dates from 1538, In contrast to Patinir, Gassel's landscapes are bustling with life and activity, with depictions of rivers and mountains, cityscapes with palaces and leisure gardens. Themes he painted included parables from the Bible, classical subjects, courtly leisure pursuits or everyday life. These characters are mainly pretexts to present the panoramic view in which they are included. He managed to mix fantastic rocky masses and a refined world of sweetness.

His landscapes follow the tradition established by Joachim Patinir and Herri met de Bles who structured their landscapes on a diagonal axis and using a division in three tones. Gassel's landscapes modernised this style by accentuating the graphic aspect, their preference for dull colors and the reduction of the level of detail.