Pierre André Joseph Knyff

Pierre André Joseph Knyff was born in Antwerp into an established brewing family. His father, Jacobus Knyff (1681-1756), studied law at the University of Leuven and worked at the Antwerp city magistrate’s office, where he alternated the function of alderman with that of mayor. Jacobus Knyff later joined the priesthood as a widower and was appointed canon of the Antwerp cathedral in 1724.

Pierre André, too, studied law at the University of Leuven; he ultimately became a priest and was appointed Canon of Our Lady Chapter in Antwerp. He also became famous for his collection of books and art.

With his family’s wealth Pierre André Knyff able to enhance his collection, which focused mainly on Flemish and Dutch seventeenth century paintings and early sixteenth century Netherlandish Masters. He displayed these at his house, filling three large rooms. He had paintings by Rembrandt, David Teniers the Younger, Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Adriaen Brouwer, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, alongside works by Jacob Jordaens, Frans Snyders, Jan Holbein, Quinten Metsys, and Maarten van Heemskerck. His book collection was much admired; it covered a wide range of subjects, from general history, law and science to religious history, theology and art.

Knyff’s book and art collections were auctioned in 1785. Joannes Grangé (1720-1794), a prominent printer in Antwerp, published the auction catalogues for his art and book collections.

Adolphe Schloss owned Joos van Craesbeeck’s Drunken singers seated around a table in a tavern, which came from the Knyff collection. He sold the painting in 1894.

For more information see: [about:blank https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/_doc003199801_01/_doc003199801_01_0005.php] Accessed 4 June 2021.