Willem Isaacsz Swanenburg

The Sailing Chariot, ca. 1603. Simon Stevin's invention of the wind car

Willem Isaacsz van Swanenburg (29 January 1580 – 31 May 1612), was a Dutch Golden Age engraver and the youngest son of Isaac van Swanenburg. Isaac van Swanenburg raised three sons who all became artists. Isaac van Swanenburg was also an artist who painted, designed prints, and created stained glass windows. The subject matter of his art included Biblical scenes, genre scenes, and portraits. He was also an illustrator for many books during his time.

Biography Swanenburg was born in Leiden. He learned drawing and engraving from his father, together with his brothers Jacob (1572–1652) and Claes (1572–1652), who both became respected painters.

The anatomical theatre of Leiden University, early 17th century. Contemporary engraving by Willem Swanenburgh; drawing by Jan Cornelisz. van 't Woudt = Johannes Woudanus