Philip Galle

Philip Galle, also known as Philips Galle, was a Dutch publisher who lived from 1537 until his death in March 1612. He was best known for his work with old master prints, which he published himself. In addition to publishing, Galle also worked as a designer and engraver, creating detailed images for these prints.

One of his most famous contributions was publishing reproductive engravings. These were special kinds of engravings that copied famous paintings, allowing more people to see and appreciate these artworks. Thanks to Galle’s work, many beautiful pieces of art could be shared widely.

Life

Philip Galle was born in Haarlem in the Netherlands. He learned engraving from a famous artist named Dirck Volkertsz. Coornhert. In 1569, he married Catharina van Rollant, and they had five children who also became artists: Theodoor, Cornelis, Philips II, Justa, and Catharina.

Galle created many beautiful prints based on paintings by famous artists like Maarten van Heemskerck. He started his own printing business in Haarlem in 1563. Later, he moved to Antwerp around 1570. There, he took over a printing press and became a successful publisher. He made many prints based on works by other artists and taught many students who became famous engravers themselves. His family continued his business for many years.

Writings

Philip Galle lived in Antwerp and saw many events of the Eighty Years War. One big event he saw was the siege and looting of the town in 1576 by the Spaniards, called "The Spanish Fury." Galle wrote a short book about these events, called Cort Verhael, which was published around the end of 1578. This book had maps and was dedicated to archduke Matthias of Austria, a relative of the king Philip II of Spain. Later, another print was dedicated to Jean de Bourgogne, lord of Froidmont or Fromont. The book was translated into several languages and shows that Galle wanted peace and stayed away from the fights and politics of his time.

Death

He died in Antwerp in March 1612.